Lunar and Planetary Plume Surface Interaction Environmental Test Rig

This project proposes to adapt an existing plasma spray facility to serve as a controllable testbed for evaluating erosion of candidate surface materials under simulated lunar and Martian plume-surface interaction (PSI) conditions. By operating under rough vacuum and integrating regolith simulant injection, the system will simulate high-velocity particle impingement from lander plumes. The effort will be paired with peridynamic computational modeling performed by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University to understand erosion mechanisms and validate predictive models, supporting design of lunar, Martian and other planetary surface systems. Researchers at the University of Utah will perform complementary testing leveraging unique individual particle impact testing facilities. The proposed PSI test capability will advance materials to support a myriad of critical surface assets near landing sites, including reusable landing vehicles, durable habitat structures and resilient power systems, enabling more compact and efficient settlement designs while mitigating risks associated with PSI-induced degradation and long-term surface sustainability.

As NASA aims to advance exploration of the Moon and Mars, this effort will establish a high-fidelity, high-throughput PSI erosion test method, addressing the current lack of repeatable testing capabilities for PSI-induced material degradation. The breakthrough over existing vacuum chamber cold gas thruster tests and computational modeling will enable materials testing under more high-velocity, high-temperature, particle-laden flows, more accurately simulating lunar/Martian PSI environments under rough vacuum conditions for higher-fidelity, risk-informed design and dust mitigation.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.