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Description: Retrograde rockets are thrusters designed to slow a spacecraft for landing or orbital adjustment. Challenges: Precise control of thrust and burn time is crucial. Examples: Vernier thrusters, SpaceX's Falcon 9's controlled descent.

Description: Atmospheric reentry involves the physics of spacecraft reentering Earth's atmosphere at high velocities. Challenges: Achieving a balance between aerodynamic heating and deceleration forces. Examples: Ballistic capsules, Lifting bodies.

Description: Airbags cushion landings and allow bounce upon touchdown instead of crashing. Challenges: Airbags must deploy correctly and absorb sufficient force. Examples: Mars Pathfinder, Mars Exploration Rovers.

Description: Heat shields protect spacecraft during reentry by absorbing and dissipating intense heat. Challenges: Materials must withstand extremely high temperatures and thermal shock. Examples: Ablative shields (e.g., Apollo missions), Reinforced carbon-carbon (Space Shuttle).

Description: Parachutes slow spacecraft descent through atmospheric drag. Challenges: Must deploy reliably at high speeds and altitudes. Examples: Parachutes used in the Mars rovers, SpaceX's Dragon capsule.

Description: HIADs are inflatable structures used to increase atmospheric drag during reentry. Challenges: Need to maintain structural integrity while inflated during high-speed reentry. Examples: IRVE-3 used by NASA.

Description: EDL sequencing involves the planned steps a spacecraft must take to safely reach the surface from orbit. Challenges: The sequence must be flawlessly executed with precise timing. Examples: Curiosity's 'seven minutes of terror', Perseverance's landing sequence.

Description: Guided entry allows a spacecraft to modify its trajectory during reentry to achieve a precise landing. Challenges: Requires real-time data processing and aero-maneuvering capability. Examples: NASA's SpaceX Crew Dragon's targeted landing.

Description: Landing gear systems support safe touchdown on a variety of surfaces. Challenges: Must be designed to absorb impact and provide stability. Examples: Lunar Lander struts, Mars Rover wheels.