- Astrobotic has initiated two NASA Small Business Innovation Research contracts to study lunar plume-surface interactions, aiming to improve the safety and reliability of lunar landings.
- The projects, named Floatinator and PSICHIC, will simulate lunar gravity conditions and capture high-fidelity data on rocket plumes and lunar surface interactions, respectively.
Pittsburgh, PA – September 6, 2023 – Astrobotic, a leader in lunar logistics, has announced the commencement of two groundbreaking NASA contracts aimed at mitigating one of the most significant challenges of lunar exploration: plume-surface interactions (PSI).
A Leap in Lunar Landing Research
The first project, dubbed ‘Floatinator,’ aims to eliminate Earth’s gravity as a variable in ground-based PSI tests. In collaboration with Phil Metzger of the University of Central Florida, Astrobotic is developing a hot-fire test apparatus that can be dropped at a controlled acceleration to mimic lunar gravity conditions.
Camille Arnn, Project Management Lead for Astrobotic’s Propulsion and Test department, emphasized the project’s importance: “To lift off successfully and repeatedly from the same point, we need to understand the effects a rocket plume will have on the vehicle and the planetary surface it approaches. Floatinator is intended to do just that.”
Advancing PSI Understanding
Travis Vazansky, Senior Project Manager for Astrobotic’s Propulsion and Test department, elaborated on the Floatinator’s capabilities: “This new equipment complements our deep understanding of PSI from our 600-plus vertical takeoff vertical landing flights, hundreds of test stand firings, and analysis work across multiple lunar lander missions. We’re excited to offer PSI services to the larger space exploration community.”
Capturing the Unseen
The second project, named ‘PSICHIC,’ will develop a novel imaging sensor that combines a high-speed camera, a thermal camera, and an event camera into a single, compact system. This system will capture new data from hot-fire testing, including data not readily observed by the human eye or high-speed cameras.
“PSICHIC will capture new data from hot-fire testing, including data not readily observed by the human eye or high-speed cameras,” Vazansky added.
Preparing for the Future
Both projects aim to better understand and mitigate the risks associated with lunar PSI, such as the hazardous ejecta that can be displaced during a landing. These initiatives are not only crucial for Astrobotic’s upcoming lunar missions but also for NASA’s Artemis missions, which aim to return astronauts to the Moon.
