Cosmic Capsules - P.A.L.L.A.S.

Inspiration

We drew inspiration from cellular materials in nature, such as human skulls and bone, and heritage hardware like the Apollo lander’s crushable legs

What it does

P.A.L.L.A.S. protects space samples during a high-velocity hypersonic entry. The internal sacrificial lattice absorbs impact energy while acting as a thermal insulator to keep samples below 50°C against the 2,000°C heat of reentry

How we built it

We utilized Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) to print Titanium (Ti 6Al 4V) lattices optimized using JPL’s UnitcellHub. To reach the required 2–8% relative density, we used a chemical etching post-process.

Challenges we ran into

Heat versus Drag and the compromise between slowing the system down and how hot it gets.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

A new, innovative design, with many design elements used by NASA themselves.

What we learned

Adaptability, communication, teamwork, CFD, time-management, full-design process, material selection/analysis, mechanics of materials

What's next for Cosmic Capsules - P.A.L.L.A.S.

The design is being matured for the 2031 Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission

Built With

• ansys
• solidworks