Application of penetrators within the solar system

© 2010 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved. High impact velocity, instrumented space probes - Penetrators, have the potential to become an important part of the portfolio of planetary exploration technologies. The UK Penetrator Consortium is building upon existing heritage in this area. Presented here is an overview of potential applications, a consideration of technology issues and a description of the highly successful full-scale trials undertaken at Pendine in May 2008.