The Lunar Atmosphere Structural Take a look at Rig simulates the extraordinary chilly of the lunar evening, starting from 40 Kelvin (Okay) to 125 Okay whereas sustaining a vacuum setting. This creates a instrument by which scientists and engineers can take a look at supplies, electronics, and flight {hardware} for future Moon and Mars missions, characterizing their behaviors at these temperatures whereas additionally validating their means to satisfy design necessities.
The Lunar Atmosphere Structural Take a look at Rig (LESTR) approaches the issue of making a simulated lunar setting by departing from typical fluid immersion or jacketed-and-chilled chamber programs. It does this through the use of a cryocooler to reject warmth and produce the take a look at part to any level desired by the take a look at engineer, as little as 40 Okay or as excessive as 125 Okay in a vacuum setting. By combining excessive vacuum and cryogenic temperatures, LESTR permits protected, correct, and cost-effective testing of supplies and {hardware} destined for the Moon and past. Its modular setup helps a variety of elements — from spacesuits to rover wheels to electronics — whereas laying the muse for future Moon and Mars mission applied sciences.
LESTR is a cryogenic mechanical take a look at system constructed up inside a traditional load body with the purpose of offering a instrument to simulate the thermal-vacuum situations of the lunar evening to engineers tasked with creating the supplies, instruments, and equipment to achieve NASA’s missions.
- LESTR replicates excessive lunar evening environments — together with temperatures as little as 40 Okay and excessive vacuum (<5×10⁻⁷ Torr) — enabling true-to-space testing with out liquid cryogens.
- In contrast to conventional “moist” strategies, LESTR makes use of a cryocooler and vacuum system to create an setting correct to the lunar floor.
- From rover wheels to spacesuits to electronics, LESTR helps static and dynamic testing throughout a variety of Moon and Mars mission {hardware}.
- With scalable structure and precision thermal management, LESTR lays important groundwork for advancing the applied sciences of NASA’s Artemis missions and past.
Specs
- Temperature Vary: 40 Okay to 125 Okay
- Load Capability: ~10 kN
- Vacuum Stage: <5×10⁻⁷ Torr
- Take a look at Quantity (Chilly Field Dimensions): 7.5 by 9.5 by 11.5 inches
- Most Cycle Fee: 100 Hz
- Time to Vacuum:
- 10⁻⁵ Torr in lower than one hour
- 10⁻⁶ Torr in 4 hours
Options
- Dry cryogenic testing (no fluid cryogen immersion)
- “Dial-a-temperature” management for exact thermal situations
- Built-in optical extensometer for pressure imaging
- Digital picture correlation and electrical feedthroughs help a wide range of knowledge assortment strategies
- Native help for high-duration cyclic testing
Purposes
- Cryogenic Lifecycle Testing: fatigue, fracture, and sturdiness assessments
- Low-Frequency Vibration Testing: electronics qualification for mobility programs
- Static Load Testing: materials habits characterization in lunar-like environments
- Suspension and Drivetrain Testing: shock absorbers, wheels, springs, and textiles
- Textiles Testing: analysis of spacesuits and habitat materials
- Dynamic Load Testing: as much as 10 kN linear capability, 60 mm stroke
Cryogenic and Mechanical Analysis Lab Supervisor: Andrew Ring
216-433-9623
Andrew.J.Ring@nasa.gov
LESTR Technical Lead: Ariel Dimston
216-433-2893
Ariel.E.Dimston@nasa.gov
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