Stud-propelling mechanisms for securing a launch vehicle to a landing platform, and associated systems and methods

An aerospace system comprising a fastening mechanism configured to fasten a landing support element of a portion of a launch vehicle to a landing surface when the landing support element is on the landing surface, the fastening mechanism comprising:

• a barrel structure positioned to receive a stud and an energetic material;
• a plate element positioned beneath the barrel structure, the plate element comprising a passageway positioned to receive the stud upon activation of the fastening mechanism;
• a restraint plate positioned to secure the barrel structure to the plate element;
• and
• a track element connecting the barrel structure to the plate element, wherein the barrel structure is movable along the track element relative to the plate element upon activation of the fastening mechanism.

A method of operating an aerospace system, the method comprising:

• landing a portion of a launch vehicle on a landing surface;
• and
• after landing, securing the portion of the launch vehicle to the landing surface using a fastening mechanism carried by the portion of the launch vehicle;
• wherein securing the portion of the launch vehicle comprises:
• activating an energetic material;
• propelling a stud through a barrel structure and into the landing surface;
• and
• capturing the stud against a tapered, reduced diameter interference portion of the fastening mechanism, the tapered, reduced diameter interference portion having a smaller inner diameter than an outer diameter of the stud, and in the landing surface to secure the portion of the launch vehicle to the landing surface.