New spider-like lander might be the future of space missions

NASA, along with a software firm, recently showcased a new insect-shaped concept lander that might help assist in future interplanetary missions to Saturn and Jupiter, for instance, paving way for human settlements.

Software company Autodesk teamed up with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) for looking at innovative ways to create an interplanetary lander that might touch down on moons of Jupiter and Saturn.

Autodesk used generative design technology – design that uses machine intelligence and cloud computing and creates hundred of designs based on limitations set by engineers in short time span – for creating a new spider-shaped lightweight but strong lander to be deployed to worlds beyond Mars.

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CNET ­­describes, the concept lander has four legs and an organic-looking body, resembling something more like a sci-fi movie prop. In order to create a physical model of the lander, the team used 3D printing, CNC milling and casting methods.

Being 7.5ft wide and 3ft tall, the lander consists of three main sections. The first is the internal structure, known as ‘gut’, which contains set of instruments used for studying distant planets. The second is the main body, called ‘chassis’ which provides overall structural support. The third ‘vital’ section contains 3D-constructed aluminum legs.

The lander’s slim design weighs less than most of NASA’s lander already to other planets and moons. Creating a lightweight lander was important because usually the landers are heavy which makes it more difficult and more expensive to launch it to space. With weight reduction, it is also possible to add more instruments and sensors to the lander for more precise and valuable data, reported The Verge.

Austodesk claimed that it decreased the lander’s weight by 35%, compared to designs for other JPL landers. The firm said that their lander weighs almost 80kgs as compared to NASA’s latest Mars ‘Insight’ lander that weighs almost 350kgs. Autodesk mentioned that their lander can also suppory a payload of scientific instruments that weigh up to 113kgs.

Moreover, the lander for now is still in works. The firm said, “For now, the application of generative design is still officially considered a developmental research project within JPL.”