Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)
Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume-Surface Studies (SCALPSS) is an array of cameras developed by NASA’s Langley Research Center to collect imagery during and after lunar lander descent and landing. This technology will help scientists and engineers accurately predict the effects of landings on the Moon’s surface.
As trips to the Moon increase and more payloads touch down in close proximity, it becomes crucial to understand how the lunar surface changes and how this may affect nearby assets. SCALPSS will be the first dedicated instrument to measure plume-surface interaction on the Moon in real time, providing valuable data for future missions.
The images captured by SCALPSS cameras will be used to produce a 3D view of the surface through stereo photogrammetry. This technique involves overlapping images to create a more accurate representation of the terrain. By analyzing these images, researchers can determine the depth and extent of surface changes caused by lunar landings.
NASA’s Artemis program aims to establish a long-term presence on the Moon through collaboration with commercial and international partners. SCALPSS 1.0, deployed on Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander, will focus on studying how the lander alters the lunar surface during landing. The data collected will be transmitted back to Earth for analysis and processing.
The SCALPSS project manager at Langley, Rob Maddock, anticipates shallow depressions on the order of centimeters or maybe an inch. However, this data is crucial for validating models predicting the effects of future landings by Human-Landing-Systems-class spacecraft, which are expected to be much larger and more powerful.
SCALPSS 1.1, equipped with additional cameras, is scheduled to fly on Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost later this year. These cameras will capture higher altitude images before plume-surface interaction occurs, providing a more accurate before-and-after comparison.
The funding for SCALPSS 1.0 came from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, while SCALPSS 1.1 is funded by the Space Technology Mission Directorate’s Game Changing Development Program.
As part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, NASA is partnering with American companies to deliver science and technology to the lunar surface. These companies participate in bidding on delivering payloads, including payload integration, operations, and launching from Earth.
Predictions and Recommendations
SCALPSS and similar instruments play a vital role in advancing our understanding of lunar landings and their impact on the Moon’s surface. Based on current trends and developments in lunar exploration, the following predictions and recommendations can be made:
- Increased focus on precision landing: With growing interest in lunar missions, precision landing technologies will become a priority. Cameras like SCALPSS will be essential tools for assessing landing sites and mitigating potential risks.
- Advancement in plume-surface interaction modeling: The data collected by SCALPSS and other instruments will lead to improved models that accurately predict the effects of landings. This knowledge will enable better planning and design of future lunar missions.
- Integration of AI and machine learning: As more data is collected from lunar landings, AI and machine learning algorithms can play a significant role in analyzing and interpreting the imagery. This will enhance our understanding of surface changes and optimize mission planning.
- Collaboration with international partners: The Artemis program’s collaborative approach will foster international cooperation in lunar exploration. Sharing data and resources will accelerate scientific advancements and open up new opportunities for commercial partnerships.
- Sustainable resource utilization: Future lunar missions will focus on utilizing local resources for sustained human presence. Understanding the effects of landings on the lunar surface will guide the development of technologies that minimize disruption to potential resource extraction sites.
In conclusion, the advancements in lunar landing technologies, such as SCALPSS, are paving the way for a future where humans establish a long-term presence on the Moon. With accurate predictions of plume-surface interaction and a deeper understanding of surface changes, we can plan missions more effectively and ensure the sustainable exploration and utilization of our celestial neighbor.
References:
- NASA. (2024, February 2). Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater). Retrieved from [link]
- NASA. (n.d.). Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS). Retrieved from [link]