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Nasa’s Human Landing System Prepares for Lunar Exploration
NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS) is on the front lines of returning astronauts to the Moon, poised to make history with the inclusion of the first woman and first person of color during the Artemis III mission. As part of NASA’s Artemis program, ensuring that landers and equipment can operate safely and effectively in the extreme conditions of space is a paramount concern.
At the Marshall Space Flight Center, located in Huntsville, Alabama, engineers are conducting critical tests on prototype insulation developed for SpaceX’s Starship HLS. This insulation is vital for protecting both propellant storage tanks and the crew cabin as they prepare for their role in the upcoming Artemis III and Artemis IV missions.
The Hub for Innovative Thermal Technology Maturation and Prototyping (HI-TTeMP) at Marshall plays a crucial role in testing various insulation materials intended for NASA’s deep space endeavors. This facility allows for preliminary evaluations to assess how well these materials can withstand the frigid lunar environment.
“Marshall’s HI-TTeMP lab provides essential capabilities to evaluate how effectively the materials being developed for SpaceX’s Starship HLS and orbital propellant storage depot can insulate critical resources like liquid oxygen and methane,” stated Rene Ortega, chief engineer for HLS. He emphasized the importance of acquiring early feedback during the design and development stages, which is invaluable before validating hardware for these deep space missions.
The conditions on the Moon, particularly at the south pole during the lunar night, can result in temperatures that drop to an extreme -370 degrees Fahrenheit (-223 degrees Celsius). In contrast, temperatures in deep space can fluctuate widely, reaching as high as 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius) in direct sunlight and nearing absolute zero in shaded areas.
Managing these thermal challenges involves two main strategies: active and passive thermal control. Passive methods utilize materials like insulation, reflective metals, and thermal blankets. Engineers can also implement operational strategies, such as repositioning thermally sensitive spacecraft components away from direct sunlight. On the other hand, active control measures may involve the use of radiators or cryogenic cooling systems.
Within the HI-TTeMP laboratory, engineers employ two vacuum test chambers to replicate the heat transfer dynamics of the space environment. One chamber focuses on radiant heat, which assesses how direct sunlight impacts temperature, while the other chamber examines conductive heat transfer by isolating its pathways.
The engineers at HI-TTeMP not only oversee the testing processes but also lend their thermal engineering expertise to assist NASA’s industry partners, including SpaceX and other companies, to confirm theories and refine designs. This capability enables prompt assessments of any design updates or revisions.
Managing the HLS Program, NASA Marshall is tasked with the safe descent of astronauts to the lunar surface as part of the Artemis missions. Contracts have been awarded to SpaceX for missions Artemis III and IV and to Blue Origin for Artemis V, with both companies planning to handle the transfer of super-cold propellants necessary for lunar lander operations.
The Artemis missions represent a significant leap forward in lunar exploration, expanding human knowledge of the Moon while preparing for future expeditions to Mars. NASA’s strategy combines its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, Orion spacecraft, next-generation spacesuits, the Gateway lunar space station, and various rovers to establish a robust framework for deep space exploration.
For additional information on NASA’s Human Landing System, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/human-landing-system
Source
www.nasa.gov