15.2 Development Status
489
2) Full-scale model test with lunar gravity simulator
In order to simulate the soft landing process more practically and comprehensively,
the landing stability test with full-scale model could be conducted by the lunargravity simulator. The lunar-gravity simulator consisted of inclined landing surface,
trolley and track and a fixed-length cable which supported the test model from the
trolley. The normal vector of static force on landing surface by the test model which
was supported by the cable was equal to its lunar weight, as shown in Fig. 15.4 [4,
5].
4. Landing Impact Test
The landing impact test was conducted to reproduce landing impact dynamic process,
so as to verify structural adequacy for lunar landing under all harsh conditions.
In the landing impact test of Apollo program, the test article was LTA-3 (Lunar
Module test article 3) with flight model of landing legs (the footpad was test article).
In the test, LTA-3 was released at a predefined height to drop to inclined landing
platform (which could simulate landing surface environment), so as to simulate the
landing impact kinematic process. The initial drop height was approximate 210.82
Support cable
Trolley
Fig. 15.4 Principle of lunar gravity simulator for full-scale model test [5]
489
2) Full-scale model test with lunar gravity simulator
In order to simulate the soft landing process more practically and comprehensively,
the landing stability test with full-scale model could be conducted by the lunargravity simulator. The lunar-gravity simulator consisted of inclined landing surface,
trolley and track and a fixed-length cable which supported the test model from the
trolley. The normal vector of static force on landing surface by the test model which
was supported by the cable was equal to its lunar weight, as shown in Fig. 15.4 [4,
5].
4. Landing Impact Test
The landing impact test was conducted to reproduce landing impact dynamic process,
so as to verify structural adequacy for lunar landing under all harsh conditions.
In the landing impact test of Apollo program, the test article was LTA-3 (Lunar
Module test article 3) with flight model of landing legs (the footpad was test article).
In the test, LTA-3 was released at a predefined height to drop to inclined landing
platform (which could simulate landing surface environment), so as to simulate the
landing impact kinematic process. The initial drop height was approximate 210.82
Support cable
Trolley
Fig. 15.4 Principle of lunar gravity simulator for full-scale model test [5]