Preliminary anchoring technology for landing on the asteroid

Abstract

Anchoring technology is necessary for the lander to land on the asteroid. Four types of anchoring modes and their characteristics are discussed, and then an anchoring system is introduced. Some key factors related to the performance of the anchoring system are presented. These factors include characteristics of the asteroid, penetrating energy and shape of the anchor tip. Penetrating energy and shape of the anchor tip are analyzed quantitatively, and then pyrotechnical and conic anchor tip is selected for the anchoring system. Finally, anchoring system is tested by penetrating in soil and sand media.