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INSTRUCTORS:
Jared Long-Fox
Bailey Weber
Jesus Baca, Ph.D., P.E., PMP
Wendy L. Storms
Course Length: 1 hour
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at Earth and Space 2026 Conference.
Quantifying the Performance of the SPARTA Cone Penetration Tester for Use in Planetary Regolith Characterization Missions (18 minutes)
This presentation examines the performance of the Soil Properties Assessment Resistance and Thermal Analysis (SPARTA) instrument, a multifunctional tool designed for planetary regolith characterization. The study focuses on evaluating how cone penetration resistance measurements vary with changes in the bulk density of lunar regolith simulants. Researchers conducted controlled laboratory experiments using the LHS-1E lunar highlands simulant and measured penetration resistance across multiple density conditions. Results demonstrated a strong correlation between penetration resistance and material density, enabling the development of calibration relationships for future planetary applications. Comparisons with previous cone penetrometer studies showed similar trends and validated SPARTA's measurement capabilities. The findings support the use of SPARTA for geomechanical mapping, infrastructure planning, and resource assessment during future lunar exploration missions.
Geotechnical Characterization of Icy Lunar Regolith Simulant in a Custom Low-Temperature Environment (9 minutes)
This presentation explores the geomechanical behavior of icy lunar regolith simulants under cryogenic conditions representative of permanently shadowed lunar regions. Researchers used a custom low-temperature chamber to prepare and test lunar highlands simulants containing water ice. Direct shear tests and mini cone penetration tests were performed to evaluate strength parameters and penetration resistance. The study investigated how relative density and ice content influence mechanical behavior, including cohesion and friction angle. Results revealed important differences between dry and icy simulants and highlighted the complex role of interstitial ice in controlling regolith behavior. The work contributes valuable data for future lunar missions targeting water-ice-rich regions and supports the development of infrastructure and resource extraction technologies at the lunar south pole.
Characterization of Dust Clouds Generated by Planetary Rovers (17 minutes)
This presentation investigates the formation and behavior of dust clouds generated by rover operations on planetary surfaces. Researchers evaluated multiple lunar and Martian regolith simulants to understand how particle characteristics, density, compaction methods, and mechanical properties influence dust generation. Extensive laboratory testing produced over a thousand Mohr-Coulomb failure envelopes to characterize strength behavior under varying conditions. Numerical modeling was then used to simulate rover-wheel interactions and predict dust cloud density and height. The study also examined the effects of particle crushing, fine generation, and electrostatic charging on dust mobility. Results provide insights into operational hazards for astronauts, rover systems, and future surface infrastructure exposed to dust-rich planetary environments.
Raman Spectra of Proton Irradiated Water Ice (17 minutes)
This presentation examines the effects of proton irradiation on water ice, with applications to the surface environment of Europa. Experiments were conducted using high-energy proton beams to simulate radiation exposure within Jupiter's magnetosphere. Irradiated ice samples were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy to identify structural and chemical changes resulting from radiation damage. Researchers observed the formation of a new spectral feature that may indicate the presence of hydronium ions and associated defects within the ice structure. The study explores how radiation-driven processes can alter surface chemistry and influence radiolytic reactions on icy planetary bodies. Findings contribute to our understanding of Europa's surface evolution and support future mission planning for the exploration of ocean worlds.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain how cone penetration resistance measurements from the SPARTA instrument can be used to estimate the density and geotechnical properties of lunar regolith simulants.
- Describe the effects of ice content and relative density on the geotechnical behavior of lunar regolith simulants in cryogenic environments.
- Discuss how regolith properties, compaction methods, and rover operating conditions influence dust cloud generation on planetary surfaces.
- Identify how proton irradiation can alter the chemical and structural properties of water ice on planetary bodies such as Europa.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Aerospace / Space Systems Engineers
- Civil Engineers (Geotechnical, Structural, Construction)
- Geotechnical / Materials Engineers
- Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineers
- Researchers & Academics
- Government & Space Agency Professionals
How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of the course purchase.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]