NASA’s Thermal Engineering Lab Advances Human Landing System Design

NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS) is set to transport the next wave of astronauts to the Moon. This marks a historic milestone with the inclusion of the first woman and the first person of color.

This ambitious endeavor begins with Artemis III. It aims to ensure that all landers and equipment operate reliably in the harshest environments.

Engineers at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, are currently conducting critical tests on prototype insulation for SpaceX’s Starship HLS. These tests are essential for ensuring that the interior environments are adequately insulated against the extreme conditions of space.

Marshall’s Hub for Innovative Thermal Technology Maturation and Prototyping (HI-TTeMP) laboratory plays a pivotal role in this process. The lab provides the necessary resources and tools for early evaluations of insulation materials destined for Artemis deep space missions.

According to HLS chief engineer Rene Ortega, the lab’s capabilities allow for quick feedback on the thermal properties of materials. This feedback is invaluable during the design and development stages. It helps ensure that hardware is qualified for deep space missions, where temperatures can range from -370 degrees Fahrenheit (-223 degrees Celsius) to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).

Thermal Challenges in Space Exploration

Space exploration presents numerous thermal challenges, primarily due to the extreme temperatures encountered in deep space and on the lunar surface. On the Moon’s south pole during lunar night, temperatures can drop to -370 degrees Fahrenheit (-223 degrees Celsius). In contrast, in direct sunlight, temperatures can soar to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).

To manage these conditions, NASA employs both passive and active thermal control measures.

Passive Thermal Controls

Passive thermal controls include materials such as:

• Insulation
• White paint
• Thermal blankets
• Reflective metals

Additionally, operational controls such as orienting thermally sensitive areas of a spacecraft away from direct sunlight can help manage extreme thermal conditions.

Active Thermal Controls

Active thermal control measures include:

• Radiators
• Cryogenic coolers

These measures are crucial for maintaining the temperature of spaceflight hardware within operational limits.

Testing and Evaluation at HI-TTeMP Lab

The HI-TTeMP lab at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is equipped with two vacuum test chambers that simulate the heat transfer effects of the deep space environment. These chambers are used to evaluate the thermal properties of materials through different mechanisms.

Radiant Heat Testing

One chamber is dedicated to understanding radiant heat, which directly warms an object in its path, much like how the Sun’s heat affects a spacecraft in direct sunlight.

Conduction Testing

The other chamber focuses on conduction by isolating and measuring heat transfer paths. This helps engineers understand how heat moves through different materials and components.

Collaboration with Industry Partners

NASA engineers working in the HI-TTeMP lab not only design, set up, and run tests but also provide valuable insight and expertise in thermal engineering. This collaboration extends to NASA’s industry partners, including SpaceX and other organizations.

By validating concepts and models or suggesting design changes, the lab helps ensure that the materials and systems developed are suitable for the harsh conditions of deep space.

Rapid Testing and Evaluation

The lab’s ability to quickly test and evaluate design updates or iterations is a significant advantage. This rapid feedback loop allows for timely adjustments and improvements, ensuring that the final designs are robust and reliable.

Future of Human Space Exploration

NASA’s HLS Program, managed by NASA Marshall, is tasked with safely landing astronauts on the Moon as part of the Artemis missions. NASA has awarded contracts to SpaceX for landing services for Artemis III and IV and to Blue Origin for Artemis V.

Both providers plan to transfer super-cold propellant in space to send landers to the Moon with full tanks. This capability is crucial for the success of the missions, as it ensures that the landers have the necessary fuel to reach their destinations.

Components of Artemis Missions

With the Artemis program, NASA aims to explore more of the Moon than ever before, learn how to live and work away from home, and prepare for future human exploration of Mars.

Key components of the Artemis missions include:

• SLS (Space Launch System) rocket
• Exploration ground systems
• Orion spacecraft
• Human Landing System (HLS)
• Next-generation spacesuits
• Gateway lunar space station
• Future rovers

Conclusion

The advancements in thermal engineering and testing at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center are critical for the success of the Artemis missions. By ensuring that the materials and systems developed can withstand the extreme conditions of space, NASA is taking significant steps towards achieving its goals of lunar exploration and beyond.

The collaboration with industry partners like SpaceX and Blue Origin further strengthens these efforts, bringing us closer to a new era of human space exploration.

For more information on NASA’s Human Landing System and the Artemis missions, visit the official NASA website.