Discovery and Preparation podcast: developing reusable shock absorbers

Reusable rockets are key to reducing the financial and environmental costs of space travel. There are a variety of techniques for bringing them back to Earth safely – including catching them at just the right moment or recovering them from a landing at sea. But for safe, repeatable landings on the Moon or Mars, landing legs that can withstand multiple impacts might be a better option – and they will need reusable shock absorbers.

In the latest episode of the ESA Discovery and Preparation podcast – now available on Spotify – we’re chatting with Vaclav Pejchal, a materials and technology expert in additive manufacturing at CSEM, and ESA Mechanisms Engineer Ewelina Ryszawa, about how this technology could shape the future of space exploration.

Discovery and Preparation provides funding, expertise, and support to turn innovative ideas into reality. Its activities are open to researchers, startups, and companies across ESA member states, via the Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP).

You can find all available episodes on Spotify.