NASA's Human Landing System (HLS) is set to transport astronauts to the Moon, with Artemis III marking the historic inclusion of the first woman and the first person of color. The mission emphasizes reliability and safety in challenging lunar environments.
Engineers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, are currently testing prototype insulation for SpaceX's Starship HLS, which will be used in Artemis III and Artemis IV. The HI-TTeMP laboratory at Marshall is evaluating insulation materials specifically designed for deep space missions.
Rene Ortega, the HLS chief engineer, stated that the HI-TTeMP lab assesses how well materials insulate liquid oxygen and methane propellants, providing early feedback that informs design and development.
The Moon's extreme temperatures pose significant challenges, with the south pole experiencing lows of -370°F (-223°C) during lunar night and highs of 250°F (120°C) in direct sunlight. Shadows can reach temperatures just above absolute zero.
Thermal management strategies employed include both active and passive methods. Passive controls involve insulation, white paint, and thermal blankets, while active controls utilize radiators and cryogenic coolers.
NASA engineers simulate deep space conditions in two vacuum chambers, one measuring radiant heat from the Sun and the other evaluating heat transfer paths through conduction.
The HI-TTeMP lab not only conducts tests but also offers thermal engineering insights to partners like SpaceX, aiding in design validation and expediting updates.
The HLS Program, led by Marshall, aims to safely land astronauts on the Moon. Contracts for Artemis III and IV have been awarded to SpaceX, while Blue Origin has been selected for Artemis V. Both companies will facilitate the transfer of cryogenic propellant in space to launch landers fully fueled.
Through the Artemis program, NASA seeks to enhance lunar exploration, develop operational capabilities beyond Earth, and prepare for future missions to Mars. Key components of NASA's deep space exploration framework include the Space Launch System, Orion spacecraft, and Gateway lunar space station.