Effects of WSMR impact data on release parameter evaluation

The phenomenon of high velocity, crash landing of spacecraft on the surface of a planet is analyzed as a potential mechanism for the release of encapsulated microbial burden. One of the key factors in this analysis is the extent of fracturing of the spacecraft material. From theoretical considerations it is postulated that the degree of fracturing depends upon such factors as the impact velocity experienced, the physical properties of the surface and of the spacecraft material, the angle of incidence with the surface, and the prevailing atmospheric conditions. Of these, the impact velocity is generally felt to be the dominant factor in the determination of the extent of fracturing.