ExoMars Entry, Descent and Landing Demonstrator Module - 'landing phase'

Date: 14 Oct 2010
Depicts: The ExoMars Entry, Descent and Landing Demonstrator Module in the 'landing phase'.
Copyright: ESA

This image shows the ExoMars Entry, Descent and Landing Demonstrator Module (EDM) in the 'landing phase'.

The EDM will activate its Doppler radar altimeter and velocimeter to locate its position with respect to the surface of Mars. At the optimum distance from the ground, the liquid propulsion system will be activated to reduce the speed of the spacecraft to close to zero and to allow a controlled landing on the surface of Mars. The deceleration will complete in less than 8 minutes over a distance of approximately 700 km.

The EDM will be designed to land on a terrain with rocks as high as 40 cm and slopes as steep as 12.5°.