Dynamics Simulation Analysis for Novel Lander Based on Two Kinds of Landing Mode

A dynamic analysis model of the novel lander is created, and all possible landing conditions at touchdown are considered. Through analyzing the landing process of free-fall landing mode, some shortcomings are found. To improve the landing stability of the novel lander, low-speed landing mode is proposed, namely, the main engine and attitude control engines are switched off soon after the lander is in contact with the landing surface. However, engine thrusts cannot disappear at the exact time when the lander contacts with the landing surface. So the influence of engine thrust on landing stability must be taken into consideration in the construction of the lander's model. Eleven forces, one of which is the thrust of the main engine and others simulate attitude control engines, are applied to the main body of the lander to create the analysis model for the low-speed landing mode. After analyzing and comparing the landing process of free-fall landing mode and low-speed landing mode, the conclusion that the low-speed landing mode has the better landing stability is obtained.