Bearings for Spacecraft Landing Gear and Launch Structures

A Safe Landing After the Journey Into Space

Not every spacecraft remains in orbit forever. Some, such as crew capsules and reusable launch vehicles, require landing gear capable of absorbing the impact of returning to Earth after a space mission. RBC Bearings identifies spacecraft landing gear as one of the documented applications within its space portfolio, alongside launch support structures. These launch support structures work together with payload fairings, which protect the payload during ascent through the atmosphere, and strakes, aerodynamic fins that help stabilize the vehicle during flight. All of these components must withstand extreme loads during liftoff and, in some cases, during the return to Earth as well. RBC's portfolio for these applications includes custom ball and roller bearings, plain bearings, hydraulic components, control and structural rods, precision-machined components, and specialized fasteners. These products are manufactured from lightweight materials such as titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum, with specialized coating processes designed to resist corrosion and wear. Whether a spacecraft is launching for the first time or returning after months in orbit, its landing gear and launch support structures must perform flawlessly at the exact moment they are needed, with no margin for error and no second chance if a component fails. At BIOSA, we see the same engineering principle—although in a very different context—in vehicle landing gear and heavy machinery support structures: absorbing impact correctly at the critical moment is one of the most important functions a bearing can perform in any industry. These structures also work alongside the bellows and gimbal systems discussed elsewhere in this series, as landing gear and launch support structures are typically evaluated through the same Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) process that RBC uses to ensure the structural integrity of the entire vehicle.