Deployable Surface Cover for Lunar Surface Operations During Launch and Landing

Our proposed effort focuses on a solution for dust plume blast mitigation during landing that can be deployed in the near term temporarily for early lunar missions. Specifically, we leverage a fabric-based ultralight matting system being developed by Astroport and its team of subcontract partners for U.S. military expeditionary landing surfaces in terrestrial Point-to-Point rocket cargo remote environments landings. For this NASA Phase 1 STTR, we research modifications needed for applying our novel thermal shielding coating technique to a textile substrate material to increase thermal tolerance and strength for the lunar environment. We then assess packaging and installation options for autonomous robotic deployment on the lunar surface. The project will conclude in Phase 2 with ground tests of a prototype matting system to demonstrate key operational characteristics in a simulated lunar environment. Although the fabric can be employed in a variety of applications for mitigating lunar surface dust control and containment, our research will focus on viability of two specific use cases relevant to NASA investments in our concept of operations (ConOps) for LLP infrastructure construction: (1) rocket plume blast mitigation during the return launch of a lunar lander from the unimproved surface at the initial landing spot where excavation and construction machinery were delivered and offloaded; and (2) use as a covering to stabilize and mitigate surface ablation of our LLP brick material pavement

LUNAR SURFACE APPLICATIONS: Proposed technology establishes a foothold infrastructure capability on the lunar surface and aids repeated precision landings for early Artemis, Human-class Delivery Landers (HDL) and CLPS missions (LI-05). Proposed technology will be part of the Infrastructure Support Sub-Architecture (interface to Transportation Systems). It will also facilitate the cargo handling operations (interface to Logistics Systems Sub-Architecture) and other Infrastructure Support services, e.g., spacecraft inspections. ANCILLARY APPLICATIONS: - Global Point to Point Rocket Transport (Customer: US Space Force). Special launch/landing accommodations for rocket vehicles are not readily available in remote/austere locations. Geotextile/fabric-based landing pad may provide sufficiently protective barrier against engine dust plumes aiding in reliable landings. - Expeditionary Airfields (EAF) (Customer: US Army): Expeditionary units operating in austere environments commonly use AM2 mats as ad-hoc landing surfaces. The solution is proven, low-cost, and fully commoditized. However, it is heavy, bulky to transport, and require manual assembly. Also, it may not adequately support high heat signature platforms (F-35 and V-22). Robotically deployed, fire-resistant fabric matting may offer a lighter, compact alternative that also reduces the workload of the military personnel. - Fire Protection / Fire Fighting (Customer: Commercial): Fire-resistant fabrics are widely used as protective shielding in industries with high risk of fire accidents, such as fire-fighting, chemical, oil & gas, utilities, and industrials facilities, as well as in construction for passive fire protection.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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