Lunar soil-analogue VI-75 for large-scale experiments

Abstract

At the present stage of the Moon study and exploration, the lunar soil model for large-scale field experiments is one of the most relevant for drop tests of lunar landing spacecraft, to develop test sites for testing self-propelled or manned lunar rovers, for designing and testing elements of lunar infrastructure, and so on. We analyzed the basic requirements for raw materials and lunar soil models for large-scale field experimental studies. The main physical and mechanical properties of the lunar soil for the verification of soil-analogues and the selection of raw materials for modeling mixtures are considered. We present the method of developing of the lunar soil-analogue, the measured physical and mechanical properties of the soil-analogues are given, including the deformation characteristics, and the technology of laying the soil-analogue in the test bench is considered. It is shown that our lunar soil analogue VI-75 fully imitates physical and mechanical properties of an original lunar soil at loose and compact state. Experiments confirmed its high operational properties and qualities.