The Apollo Lunar Modular was used to make the transition from the spacecraft to
ID: 1422020 • Letter: T
Question
The Apollo Lunar Modular was used to make the transition from the spacecraft to the Moon's surface and back. Consider a similar module for landing on the surface of Mars. Use conservation of mechanical energy to answer these questions. As the lander is descending, if the pilot decides to shut down the engine when the lander is at a height of 1.1 m, (this may not be a safe height to shut down the engine) and the velocity of the lander (relative to the surface of the planet) is 1.5 m/s what will be velocity of the lander at impact? Note: g on the surface of Mars is about 0.4 times that on the surface of the Earth. In the case of the lunar module an impact velocity of 3.0 m/s or less was essential for a safe landing. Assuming this to be the case for the Mars lander as well, at what maximum height could the pilot shut down the engines to ensure a safe landing. Assume the velocity v_0 at the time the engine is shut down is 1.5 m/s.Explanation / Answer
a) Applying conservation of Mechanical Energy
mgh+ .5mvi^2 = .5mvf^2
putting values we get (assuming gearth =10m/s^2) approx
vf=vlanding= 3.324 m/s
b) here Vf= 3m/s, Vi=1.5 m/s
putting values we get H=0.84375 m
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