Planetary landers designed for rocky surfaces, such as those sent to Mars, utilize protective gas-filled landing cushions to safeguard their fragile scientific payloads during touchdown.
Apart from pressurized gas-filled landing cushions, name two other structural or design features of a planetary probe that can reduce the peak impact forces during landing.
Using the concepts of momentum, impact duration, and force, explain how these deformable landing cushions protect the sensitive internal instruments during touchdown.
Suggest why these landing cushions are designed with pressure-relief valves that allow gas to escape slightly upon impact, rather than remaining completely sealed, highly pressurized, and rigid.
Once the lander has settled and comes to a complete stop on the planetary surface, state what has happened to the total momentum of the lander.