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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
Images and video taken during the Apollo missions provided insights into the plume/surface interaction (PSI) during the entry/descent/landing (EDL) phase. More importantly, they highlighted the need for a better understanding of the phenomenon to ensure safety of future lunar/Martian missions. CFD models and ground test environments cannot reliably predict the actual environment/conditions. We plan to develop three diagnostics that can be used on a future lunar lander to provide flight data for evaluation, comparison, and validation. These three diagnostics will measure the ejecta sheet, track particles, measure bulk velocity, and map the topology of the terrain. Upon successful evaluation of the individual measurement techniques, we plan to propose to the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) for their inclusion on the SCALPSS 2 lunar lander in late FY21. These measurements will also potentially be used for PSI ground testing scheduled for NASA's MSFC and Plum Brook Station in FY22 and FY24.
Interaction of the exhaust plume of a rocket engine with the lunar/Martian surface is not well understood, which can lead to dangerous situations during the EDL phase. CFD simulations need experimental data for validation, and ground test measurements cannot accurately replicate the lunar/Martian conditions. Three diagnostics that will measure various aspects of the plume/surface interaction (PSI) will be tested to evaluate their feasibility for a future lunar lander mission.
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