LUNAR ALIGHTMENT SYSTEMS INVESTIGATION

Abstract

Mission parameters are estimated for a manned lunar alightment. Undercarriage concepts are developed which provide for alightment on unprepared lunar surfaces and provide the necessary support for subsequent launch from the lunar surface. A novel concept is described which places steel honeycomb energy absorption elements at the ends of four self-aligning strut mechanisms. The self-aligning feature, which is applicable to any number of surface contactors, results in an alightment system whose bulk and weight are a small fraction of the comparable quantities for systems using fixed undercarriages. It has been found that the incorporation of auxiliary launch engines in the alightment system to utilize salvaged alightment energy or chemical fuels offers no advantage. Analytical background material is reported and an experimental program which verified the feasibility of the self aligning feature is described.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1963
Accession Number
AD0419048

Entities

People

  • Andrew B. Burns
  • James A. Plascyk

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aluminum Alloys
  • Bearing Strength
  • Construction
  • Design Criteria
  • Dynamics
  • Elastic Properties
  • Energy Absorbers
  • Exhaust Gases
  • Honeycomb Structures
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Working
  • Mechanics
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Rocket Engines
  • Surface Properties
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Orbital Debris