Chapter 4
Structure and Mechanism Technology
of Lunar Lander
4.1 Introduction
The lunar lander structure is a general term for parts and components that support and
transmit loads to provide support, stiffness, and dimensional stability for the lunar
lander and its subsystem equipment. The lunar lander mechanism is the mechanical
component that executes motion of the spacecraft accessories, such as solar panel
mechanism, connection/unlocking and deployment mechanism for the lunar rover,
and pointing mechanism for directional antenna.
The main functions of lunar lander structure are as follows:
(1) To provide a mechanical connection and separation interface for lunar lander
with the launch vehicle.
(2) To provide interface for parking, lifting, packaging, and transportation of lunar
lander.
(3) To provide fixed interface for installation of instruments on lunar lander with
definite rigidity.
(4) To sustain static and dynamic loads on lunar lander.
Special attention shall be paid to the landing impact load for design of lunar lander
structure in addition.
The mechanisms on different spacecraft have different requirements of specific
function. The specific functions of different mechanisms might be different even on
the same spacecraft. It is difficult to fully describe or summarize all the functions of
the spacecraft mechanisms in a few words [1]. According to the characteristics of
the lunar lander mechanism, the main functions of the lunar lander mechanism are
as follows:
(1) To provide support and withstanding loads for accessories during launch and
landing.
(2) To complete predefined motions including deployment, separation, extension,
docking, cushion and etc. after orbit injection or landing of lunar lander.
© National Defense Industry Press and Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021
D.-Y. Yu et al., Technology of Lunar Soft Lander, Space Technology Library 38,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-6580-9_4
97
Structure and Mechanism Technology
of Lunar Lander
4.1 Introduction
The lunar lander structure is a general term for parts and components that support and
transmit loads to provide support, stiffness, and dimensional stability for the lunar
lander and its subsystem equipment. The lunar lander mechanism is the mechanical
component that executes motion of the spacecraft accessories, such as solar panel
mechanism, connection/unlocking and deployment mechanism for the lunar rover,
and pointing mechanism for directional antenna.
The main functions of lunar lander structure are as follows:
(1) To provide a mechanical connection and separation interface for lunar lander
with the launch vehicle.
(2) To provide interface for parking, lifting, packaging, and transportation of lunar
lander.
(3) To provide fixed interface for installation of instruments on lunar lander with
definite rigidity.
(4) To sustain static and dynamic loads on lunar lander.
Special attention shall be paid to the landing impact load for design of lunar lander
structure in addition.
The mechanisms on different spacecraft have different requirements of specific
function. The specific functions of different mechanisms might be different even on
the same spacecraft. It is difficult to fully describe or summarize all the functions of
the spacecraft mechanisms in a few words [1]. According to the characteristics of
the lunar lander mechanism, the main functions of the lunar lander mechanism are
as follows:
(1) To provide support and withstanding loads for accessories during launch and
landing.
(2) To complete predefined motions including deployment, separation, extension,
docking, cushion and etc. after orbit injection or landing of lunar lander.
© National Defense Industry Press and Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021
D.-Y. Yu et al., Technology of Lunar Soft Lander, Space Technology Library 38,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-6580-9_4
97