Lander Operations

Abstract

A special case of interplanetary missions includes devices that land on a planetary surface or descend through an atmosphere. Operations become more challenging, as a lander typically has additional restrictions in terms of visibility and mission planning. The landing and descent phase is particularly critical and needs special operational provisions, as it usually cannot be repeated or interrupted. The chapter gives insight on missions to the Moon, Mars, Venus, Titan and small bodies like asteroids or comets where landers, entry probes or rovers have been operated.