Lunar Landing


Sviatoslav Sokolov

Overview


Difficulty Proficient (3/4)
Topics Mechanics, Dynamics, Newton's 2nd Law

A lunar lander with mass \(m\) falls on the Moon with initial downward velocity \(v_0\) from a height \(h\).

Calculate and set the correct thrust \(F_t\) so the lander lands with a velocity not exceeding \(10\; m/s\).

If thrust is too high, the velocity becomes upward before reaching the ground and the lander flies away. If thrust is too low, the lander crashes into the surface.

Relevant Equations

\[v_x^2 = v_{0x}^2 + 2a_x\Delta x\]
\[m\vec{a} = \sum \vec{F_i}\]
\[F_g = mg\]

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