Plume generation from descent rockets impinges on the lunar landing site regolith, rendering sites hazardous for landing due to possible deep cratering and interference from ejecta. Masten Space Systems and University of Central Florida are studying regolith cratering effects in different plume environments to understand cratering and landing pad durability. Testing is characterizing lunar surface ejecta particles (size, velocities, trajectories, and other geotechnical characteristics) during rocket powered landings and ascents and determining the rate and duration of mass ejection from cratering. Preliminary drop tower and rocket engine tests show scalable results. Data demonstrate the importance of developing methods to mitigate the effects of cratering and ejecta to enable a sustainable lunar presence. Different sizes of landers are also being investigated.


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    Title :

    Deep Regolith Cratering and Plume Effects Modeling for Lunar Landing Sites


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    17th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments ; 2021 ; Virtual Conference


    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2021-04-15




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Deep Regolith Cratering and Plume Effects Modeling for Lunar Landing Sites

    Kuhns, Matthew / Metzger, Philip / Dove, Adrienne et al. | TIBKAT | 2021




    Lunar Regolith

    Gies, J. V. / American Society for Civil Engineers; Aerospace Division | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1996