Students Develop Modular Landing Pads for Lunar Surface Operations
New vented landing pad prototypes aim to mitigate lunar dust and rocket exhaust damage.
1Addressing Lunar Surface Hazards
Vertical takeoff and landing maneuvers on the Moon create significant operational risks due to regolith, the abrasive dust covering the surface. Rocket engine plumes displace this particulate matter at high speeds, threatening nearby habitats, power systems, and orbiting equipment. Developing stable, protective infrastructure is essential for the success of future Artemis missions.
2University and NASA Collaboration
NASA enlisted engineering students from the University of Alabama in Huntsville to design modular landing pads. This project operates under a partnership with Linc Research Inc. and receives support from NASA's Small Business Technology Transfer program. Dr. Judy Schneider leads the research team in developing solutions for safe lunar surface transits.
3Vented Design Versus Solid Structures
Unlike solid Earth-based landing pads, which suffer thermal damage and cratering, the UAH team designed a modular, vented structure. This system utilizes interlocking components with integrated channels to capture and redirect rocket exhaust. By venting the plume, the design prevents heat buildup and protects both the landing vehicle and the pad itself.
4Testing Prototype Performance
The team successfully conducted three rocket-motor firing tests on a 3.65-meter diameter prototype at the university's Propulsion Research Center. Integrated sensors recorded how the exhaust moved through the vent system during these firings. These tests confirmed the design's ability to effectively redirect intense rocket plumes without sustaining the damage seen in solid structures.
5Simulating Lunar Building Materials
The prototype components were constructed from concrete, serving as an analog for materials produced from lunar regolith. Future lunar construction may utilize sintered ceramics or lunacrete, a mixture of regolith and bonding agents. This approach aligns with In-Situ Resource Utilization goals, which aim to reduce the need for transporting heavy materials from Earth.
6Advantages of Modular Construction
Modular designs are highly advantageous for lunar environments where manufacturing space is severely constrained. Smaller, individual components are easier to transport, assemble, maintain, and repair over time. This scalability is critical for establishing a permanent lunar base, as it allows for the gradual expansion of infrastructure as mission requirements grow more complex.
7Mitigating Lunar Dust Dispersion
Because the Moon lacks an atmosphere, rocket exhaust plumes expand freely, propelling dust at high velocities across the surface. This debris can travel long distances, potentially damaging sensitive equipment or interfering with orbiting spacecraft. The vented landing pad design aims to minimize this dispersion, ensuring safer operations for long-term crewed lunar missions.
8Future Testing and Scaling
Following successful initial tests, the team is developing a larger 6-meter diameter prototype for delivery to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. This next phase will evaluate the design's technological readiness and scalability for repeated use. These efforts represent a critical step toward deploying durable, sustainable landing infrastructure for future lunar surface operations.