Provide a physical, tangible demonstration of capabilities
related to the critical terminal descent/landing phase for an
airless body mission Allow for evaluation of flight-like
components of hardware and software in a real, integrated system
Define and prove processes and interactions of the diverse,
distributed team and obtain “lessons learned” before the flight
build Train and engage young engineers with hands-on experience
Illustration of the Warm Gas Test Article (WGTA). Credits: Johns
Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory View large
imageWarm Gas Test Article (WGTA) – Provides a platform to
develop and test algorithms, sensors, avionics, software,
landing legs, and integrated system elements to support
autonomous landings on airless bodies, where aero-braking and
parachutes are not options. Cold Gas Test Article (CGTA).
Credits: David Higginbotham, NASA Marshall View large imageCold
Gas Test Article (CGTA) – Served as a precursor to the WGTA and
provided a platform for algorithm development and