Regolith Thermal Vacuum Chamber

Key Features:

• Simulate Planetary Conditions: Our regolith thermal vacuum systems recreate the vacuum, temperature fluctuations, and dust exposure found on lunar and Martian surfaces. By integrating regolith simulants into the testing environment, we offer a comprehensive simulation of extraterrestrial conditions that accurately replicates real-world exploration challenges.

• Extreme Temperature Control: With a temperature range from -180°C to +200°C, our systems replicate the severe temperature shifts that occur on planetary surfaces, such as those on the Moon or Mars, where temperatures can vary dramatically between day and night.

• Vacuum Simulation: Simulate the vacuum of space with pressures as low as 10E-8 Torr, allowing for testing of materials and components under low-pressure conditions similar to those found in space.

• Regolith Simulant Integration: Our systems can incorporate various regolith simulants (e.g., lunar, Martian, asteroid dust) into the testing chamber, exposing materials to abrasive particles while they undergo thermal cycling and vacuum conditions. This enables you to test the durability and functionality of equipment and materials in an environment that closely resembles extraterrestrial terrain.

• Dust and Abrasion Testing: Regolith simulants can be introduced into the system to test the impact of dust and particle abrasions on components, ensuring the durability of optical systems, seals, coatings, and surfaces exposed to regolith.

• Data Logging and Real-Time Monitoring: Our thermal vacuum systems are equipped with advanced data logging and real-time monitoring capabilities. Track temperature, pressure, and regolith simulant distribution throughout the test, ensuring accurate results and performance evaluations.

• Customizable Configurations: Designed to meet the unique needs of your mission, our systems offer customizable chamber sizes, test configurations, and regolith simulant integration. Whether you’re testing small-scale components or full system assemblies, we can tailor the chamber to your specific requirements.

Applications:

• Spacecraft and Rover Testing: Test spacecraft, rovers, and surface exploration tools in simulated lunar or Martian regolith environments. Evaluate their ability to handle the abrasive effects of regolith, as well as their performance in extreme temperature and vacuum conditions.

• Surface Habitat and Infrastructure Testing: Validate the performance of habitats, power systems, and other infrastructure designed for long-term stays on planetary surfaces. Test how these systems withstand the regolith’s abrasive nature, thermal fluctuations, and low-pressure conditions.

• Material Durability and Performance: Test the durability of materials such as metals, composites, and polymers when exposed to the conditions of regolith-covered planetary surfaces. This is essential for developing materials that will withstand the harsh lunar and Martian environments.

• Dust Mitigation Systems: Evaluate dust mitigation technologies and methods, such as seals, coatings, and cleaning systems, that are crucial for maintaining the functionality of equipment and systems on regolith-covered surfaces.

• Exploration Tools and Instruments: Validate the reliability of exploration tools, sensors, and scientific instruments exposed to regolith during planetary surface operations. Ensure that these devices can operate effectively despite the harsh dust and temperature conditions.

Why Choose Our Regolith Thermal Vacuum Systems?

• Comprehensive Testing: Our systems are engineered to simulate the complete range of environmental factors that space exploration systems will face on planetary surfaces—vacuum, temperature extremes, regolith exposure, and more.

• Accurate Simulation: With the ability to introduce regolith simulants into a controlled thermal vacuum environment, we provide a highly accurate testing platform that mirrors the conditions of the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies.

• Customizable Options: Every mission has different requirements. Our systems are customizable to suit your specific needs, from adjusting chamber sizes to integrating specific regolith simulants and testing configurations.

• Proven Reliability: Designed for reliability and repeatability, our systems provide consistent and reproducible results, ensuring that you can have full confidence in your product’s performance during real planetary exploration missions.

• Cutting-Edge Technology: With state-of-the-art data logging, real-time monitoring, and robust temperature/pressure controls, our systems offer the latest advancements in thermal vacuum testing technology.

Why Regolith Testing is Critical for Space Exploration

Regolith, the loose, fragmented material that makes up the surface of planetary bodies, is one of the most challenging obstacles for exploration. It is abrasive, clingy, and can interfere with systems like solar panels, optical instruments, and electronic components. By testing materials, tools, and systems in regolith thermal vacuum environments, you ensure they will perform under real-world conditions, making your mission safer and more successful.

Some of work: 

• Michigan Technological University Huskyworks Division Studying Planetary Surface Technology.
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• NASA Ames Deep Dive Research Center
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• NASA Langley’s research on LUNAR DUST SIMULANT PARTICLE ADHESION ON COPOLYIMIDE ALKYL ETHERS
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• NASA’s research on Copoly Abhesive Materials with Varied Siloxane Oligomer Length
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