Success for Mars rover bag test

The design phase of the European attempt to build a Mars rover has passed a significant stage recently when designers showed off their new air bag system to help cushion the rovers landing on the Martian surface. The air bag using vented, also called dead-beat, airbag technology. The successful entry and survival following landing on the Martian surface is incredibly important when determining the success of the Mars rover missions. This new air bag is a integral part of the new rover system and should help to ensure a safe landing on the Martian surface. When the US-based Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity landed on the Martian surface, they bounced more that 25 times and traveled some 200 meters from the spot of their initial impact. This technology is different in that as the rovers make impact, that back absorb and deflate, venting the air out and resulting in a smooth landing without any bounces. This type of technology would also allow the designers to carry a much heavier payload when landing on the Martian surface.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6738585.stm