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NASA · Lunar Separation · 2021

Lunar LanderSeparation System

Clamp-band separation hardware for a lunar descent vehicle, delivered through Beyond Gravity for NASA.

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PREPARING FOOTAGE · 0%
01 CLAMP BAND
02 DECK INTERFACE
03 PYRO INSTALL
04 INTEGRATION
05 FLIGHT-QUALIFIED
PHASE 01

Clamp Band

Precision-machined titanium V-band preloaded to flight torque.

PHASE 02

Deck Interface

Isolation deck and load spreader bond to the descent stage.

PHASE 03

Pyro Install

Bolt cutters installed and continuity-verified in cleanroom.

PHASE 04

Integration

Ascent stage mated, gap-verified with laser tracker.

PHASE 05

Flight-Qualified

Cleared for propellant load and launch.

18.4kN
SEPARATION LOAD
<200g
SHOCK LEVEL
42N·m
CLAMP TORQUE
1shot
DESIGN LIFE

One shot. No margin for error.

THE PROGRAMME

A separation system holds the spacecraft through the most violent minutes of launch, then releases once, on command, and is never used again. There is no second chance and no partial credit. Beyond Gravity is the world's leading supplier of these systems, with flight heritage across hundreds of missions.

THE ROLE

I established the relationship, scoped what Beyond Gravity could offer against the programme's requirements, and ran the procurement process through to contract.

WHY US PROGRAMMES ARE DIFFERENT

Export control — ITAR and EAR — governs what technical information can cross a border and to whom. It isn't paperwork added at the end; it shapes the engagement from the first call.

PROGRAM PARTNERS
NASA
Prime customer
Beyond Gravity
Mechanisms lead
Prime Contractor
Lander bus
Launch Provider
TLI injection
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