Description: The Plume-Surface Interactions Instrumentation (PSI-INST) project is focused on the development of PSI sensor technology for both near and far term applications, including both lunar (e.g., CLPS, HLS, Artemis) and Mars (e.g., Mars Sample Return). The project focus/goals include the following: 1) Collection of PSI measurements during ground test opportunities. 2) Development of improved sensors and measurement capabilities for incorporation into payloads to capture additional flight data on PSI effects. 3) Development of a flexible and modular electronics to easily accommodate PSI sensors and measurements across multiple payloads. 4) Continued coordination with the ESDMD PSI Project on the development of testing and modeling capabilities, PSI measurement prioritization, and possible support of various PSI sensor developments across NASA, industry, and academia. The Plume Surface Interaction Instrumentation Project supports NASA’s goal of increased commercialization of space flight and the eventual establishment of a permanent human presence on the lunar surface which can be used as a steppingstone for human exploration of Mars. The main goal of this project is to develop sensors and payloads to collect plume-surface interaction data to validate analyses and modeling (both computational and engineering) which will be critical for future large Lunar (and Mars) lander vehicle designs. Payload measurements characterize the induced environment caused by PSI, which can include determination of the onset of interaction, the rate and total mass/volume of any erosion which takes place, measurement of surface features which can be used to identify or constrain erosion mechanisms and soil mechanics, and ejecta characteristics (including velocity, energy, and particle sizes).

Benefits: Lunar dust is a significant obstacle to achieving a sustainable human presence on the Moon, and lunar landers will be a major source of dust transport across the lunar surface. There is currently a lack of lunar flight data from plume-surface interaction (PSI) effects during descent and landing which leads to one of the greatest source of risks during the landing phase. Safety and operational risks due to lander-induced dust, erosion , and ejected material are significant drivers of dust mitigation technology development, lander designs, lunar surface element designs, lunar orbital element designs, and surface operations. As NASA and commercial companies prepare to land larger and larger payloads (growing to human scale) on the lunar (and eventually Mars) surface, these landers will be required to employ increased engine thrust resulting in plume interactions with the lunar surface to become more and more extensive, while at the same time, requiring even higher reliability than their predecessors.