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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Experimental Methods of Dust Charging and Mobilization on Surfaces with Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation or Plasmas

Experimental Methods of Dust Charging and Mobilization on Surfaces with Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation or Plasmas

Published on: April 3, 2018

Mitigating plume surface interactions using lunar craters.

Seamus L Anderson¹, Prabal Saxena¹, Philip T Metzger²

¹NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD USA.

Npj Space Exploration

|June 15, 2026

Summary

Small lunar craters can act as natural shields against damaging plume surface interactions (PSIs) during spacecraft landings. This novel approach offers a cost-effective solution for sustainable lunar exploration by protecting nearby infrastructure.

Keywords:

Astronomy and planetary science Engineering Natural hazards Planetary science

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Simulating Imaging of Large Scale Radio Arrays on the Lunar Surface

Simulating Imaging of Large Scale Radio Arrays on the Lunar Surface

Published on: July 30, 2020

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Last Updated: Jun 16, 2026

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Simulating Imaging of Large Scale Radio Arrays on the Lunar Surface

Simulating Imaging of Large Scale Radio Arrays on the Lunar Surface

Published on: July 30, 2020

Area of Science:

Lunar geology
Spacecraft engineering
Planetary science

Background:

Spacecraft launches and landings on the Moon generate high-velocity regolith, causing plume surface interactions (PSIs) that threaten lunar infrastructure.
Existing PSI mitigation strategies, like constructed landing pads, can be costly and time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce and evaluate the use of small lunar craters as natural, unprepared landing sites to mitigate PSI hazards.
To assess the feasibility of using craters for safe spacecraft landings and lunar outpost construction.

Main Methods:

Simulated ballistic trajectories of regolith grains ejected during PSIs from the centers of 238 lunar craters (<1.5 km diameter).
Analyzed crater characteristics, including floor flatness and wall traversability for lunar vehicles.

Main Results:

Many simulated craters created 'umbrella zones' capable of completely shielding adjacent areas from ejected regolith.
Some protected zones were sufficiently large for a 16 m-tall lander or a lunar outpost.
Crater floors and walls were found to be suitable for safe landings and traversable by proposed lunar vehicles.

Conclusions:

Utilizing small lunar craters presents a promising, cost-effective strategy for mitigating PSI risks.
Further research is necessary to fully validate this approach for operational lunar surface exploration.