Lunar PAD - On the Development of a Unique ISRU-Based Planetary Landing Pad for Cratering and Dust Mitigation
Andres I. Campbell, Helen C. Carson, Miriam De Soto, Kristen English, Michael Fiske, Luke Martin, Vincent Murai, Fernanda Ramirez, Ethan Romo, Kayla Schang, Kaveon Smith
Abstract
View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-0356.vid As humanity seeks outposts on other planetary bodies such as the Moon and Mars, technology must enable safe, repeated landings and launches near habitation. The design of the Lunar Plume Alleviation Device (Lunar PAD) aims to mitigate plume impingement and abrasive regolith debris and protect the crew, lander, and surroundings. Key vent features have been designed to provide both structural support and a controlled exhaust flow, and their basic function has been analyzed via finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. A subscale Lunar PAD model has been completed in October of 2020 that demonstrates its ability to be 3D printed. The Lunar PAD uses in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) methods and technologies to minimize launch mass and enable previously unimagined structures. The lessons from this work can be applied to the design, manufacturing, and testing of future full-scale landing pads. Together with future landing system developments, additive construction technologies, and plume and dust control efforts, the Lunar PAD may expand possibilities for human exploration of the solar system.