The LUnar Surface Environment (LUSE) testbed was developed with Embry-Riddle’s Space Technology Laboratory to create an apparatus in which to simulate impacts on the surface of the Moon. LUSE was desi..
The LUnar Surface Environment (LUSE) testbed was developed with Embry-Riddle’s Space Technology Laboratory to create an apparatus in which to simulate impacts on the surface of the Moon. LUSE was designed in such a way where test articles could be dropped into the testbed, but other experiments can be performed as well. The LUSE testbed consists of a layer of sand and rock topped with a layer of LMS-1 Lunar Mare Regolith Simulant supplied by the Exolith Lab at the University of Central Florida. The testbed is encased in plexiglass to allow for sensors to observe impacts in a safe environment. Student research projects now can test various theories and projects. Recently, the EagleCam team used the LUSE testbed to simulate their CubeSat’s impact on the surface of the Moon. An EagleCam model was dropped from a scissor lift at the MicaPlex to validate the dynamics model by capturing the impact through an inertial measurement unit inside the model and a high-speed camera.
