Dive into Masten Space’s near-instant landing pads called in-Flight Alumina Spray Technique (FAST) method with our guest Matthew Kuhns, VP R&D, to in-situ manufacture near-instant 6meter+ diameter landing pads with dust free zone.
In partnering with Texas A&M, UCF, and Honeybee Robotics and collaborating with a NASA NIAC Phase 1 program, Masten conducted a series of tests and experiments in 2021 on Earth using the High velocity oxygen thermal spraying (HVOF) concept to release .5 mm alumina ceramic powder nanoparticles from the rocket exhaust, to build up spray coating in lunar regolith, and to deploy a thin pad from 30m deployment height and prevent ejecta plume/debris. 
 Traditionally, each lunar landing pad was expected to cost $120 million and kick up high-velocity regolith that can travel up to 3,000+ meters per second. Learn about results from test flights on Earth simulating delivery of 300kg mass payload to Lunar surface, future research, material science, math, compressive strengths, dust debris mitigation, plume impingement analysis, pressure injection, localised melting/point stresses, future applications, and more.
researchgate.net/publication/356422803_FAST_Landing_Pads_for_Moon_and_Mars
masten.aero/blog/mitigating-lunar-dust-masten-completes-fast-landing-pad-study/

Speaker
Matthew Kuhns, VP R&D at Masten Space Systems
With over a decade of experience in aerospace and startups, Matthew has co-founded several companies. Matthew plays key roles around technology development and advanced concepts, holding 5 patents and the title NASA NIAC Fellow. He is a leader in enabling technologies including LOX/Methane propulsion systems, electric pumps, and advanced additive manufacturing. 
Masten Space Systems is a aerospace R&D and Earth and Moon transportation company creating and deploying reliable, reusable rocket vehicles and components. Because landing on the Moon, Mars, or anywhere else in the solar system is what Masten Space Systems can do for you. With more than 600 successful rocket-powered landings, 17 years of business and 5 rocket platforms, Masten puts landers and payloads right where they need to be every time.


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