Request Soft landing system for de-orbiting payloads

[pattersoncr]

I would like to see a “soft landing” module for use with Greg Burch’s Space Station Building Blocks and similar components. My vision is something like this: The “soft landing module” consists of attitude thrusters, a solid rocket de-orbit engine, an inflatable heat shield and parachutes. It gets attached to the component to be de-orbited (either one of the cylindrical modules or one a shipping container shaped component). After the cargo is released, the module automatically orients itself retrograde, conducts a de-orbit burn, and inflates its heat shield. Once the high-energy part of the reentry is over, it automatically deploys drogues and then main parachutes. This would be useful for both Earth and Mars reentries. I’m not sure if Earth & Mars entry are similar enough problems to be solved by the same hardware so two versions might be required. If you’ve ever used the “Land-Mod” module in the 2001 add-on, I’m looking for a more sophisticated, more automated version of that. The 2001 land-mod is designed for Mars entry from a hyperbolic approach orbit. What I have in mind would be designed for a much lower-energy entry from a low circular orbit. Unfortunately, I have zero C++ knowledge (I don’t think SC3 is up to doing what I have in mind realistically) and also do have neither the time nor inclination to learn so I can’t really produce this myself. But if anyone is interested in developing this, I’ll do the documentation (and hopefully, give it a Burchismo Aerospace kind of feel).

 

[Andy44]

This would be useful for some of my add-on cargo modules as well. The Shuttle A cargo modules already do this part way; they have parachutes but no deorbit motor or any explicit heatshield.

I do believe Mars would require a different design, probably much bigger parachutes or a descent-killer solid rocket to soften the impact.

I would like to lessen or eliminate my lunar network's reliance on the obsolete, government-owned Space Shuttle for transporting things to Earth's surface from orbit, and something like this would be a good start. It might be possible to do it in sc3.

 

[pattersoncr]

I really don't think SC3 can handle the changing aerodynamic configuration. It also probably couldn't deploy the 'chutes automatically. My vision is for a fully automated process. You click a button or press a key-stroke to initiate the de-orbit burn and the soft landing module handles the rest.
For the Mars version, perhaps the same parachutes that are used for Earth entry could be used, just more of them. A set of last second solid rocket motors (a la Sojourner or MER) could certainly be used. Some adjustment for the weight of the payload might be needed.

 

[Usquanigo]

This would be useful for some of my add-on cargo modules as well. The Shuttle A cargo modules already do this part way; they have parachutes but no deorbit motor or any explicit heatshield.

I do believe Mars would require a different design, probably much bigger parachutes or a descent-killer solid rocket to soften the impact.

I would like to lessen or eliminate my lunar network's reliance on the obsolete, government-owned Space Shuttle for transporting things to Earth's surface from orbit, and something like this would be a good start. It might be possible to do it in sc3.

Yeah, it is a cool thought to "deliver" the cargo right to someone's recieving dock from space. Talk about drop shipping. lol