NASA Seeks Student Solutions for Managing Moon Landing Dust Cloud
This effect is called plume surface interaction and can increase risks caused by lunar dust on future human missions.
- This effect is called plume surface interaction and can increase risks caused by lunar dust on future human missions.
- "The Moon is covered with granular, rocky material called regolith, which can be lifted from the surface by rocket engines during landing and ascent.
- To establish a long-term human presence on and around the Moon for the benefit of humanity, NASA must address the challenges lunar dust presents to these complex missions.
- Potential solutions might include development of dust shields, creating flight instrumentation dedicated to managing plume surface interactions, finding ways to see through the dust cloud during landing, or tracking dust during ascent and descent.