Three-Dimensional Plume-Surface Interaction and Crater Formation Dynamic Measurements in Reduced Gravity Environments

The Three-Dimensional Plume-Surface Interaction and Crater Formation Dynamic Measurements experiment will study plume-surface interaction (PSI) in reduced and lunar gravity conditions. Future landings on the Moon pose significant risk because the high-velocity retrorocket exhaust plume disturbs the surface regolith during approach and landing, resulting in cratering, severe lunar dust blowing, and particle ejecting. These flight tests aim to gather data under realistic conditions to better understand the underlying physics and to determine scaling laws of PSI in reduced gravity verses 1 g conditions on Earth.

Summary of Flight Test
2023-12-04 & 2024-03-05 During this parabolic flight, the research team investigated the effect of gravity on plume-surface interactions. Using a sonic nozzle positioned at different heights above a granular surface, researchers non-intrusively measured the jet-induced craters using a stereo-photogrammetry technique. The stereo-photogrammetry technique enables the team to reconstruct these craters in three-dimensions and determine geometric properties, such as crater depth, volume, and radius.
2024-04-15 During this parabolic flight, the team investigated the effect of gravity on plume-surface interactions. Using a sonic nozzle positioned at different heights above a granular surface, researchers non-intrusively measured the jet-induced craters using a stereo-photogrammetry technique. The stereo-photogrammetry technique enables the team to reconstruct these craters in three-dimensions and determine geometric properties, such as crater depth, volume, and radius.
2025-04-29 During this parabolic flight, the team investigated the effect of nozzle pressures on the crater formation and evolution during plume-surface interactions, under lunar gravity. Using a sonic nozzle positioned at different heights above a granular surface, researchers non-intrusively measured the jet-induced craters using a stereo-photogrammetry technique. The stereo-photogrammetry technique enables researchers to reconstruct these craters in three-dimensions and determine geometric properties, such as crater depth, volume, and radius.

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