Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation

Abstract

The first purpose of this white paper is to summarize the state-of-the-art of engineering instrumentation available for atmospheric Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) vehicles. Capabilities of the various types of measurements, along with recent examples from human and robotic EDL missions and technology development programs, significance to planetary science, and current challenges are discussed. Second, this paper provides recommendations for continuing to collect data on future missions with an EDL phase. Although the focus of this paper will be primarily on entry, instrumentation for descent and landing are also recognized to be important areas of future investment.