Unveiling Lunar Surface Effects: NASA Supercomputers Analyze Rocket Exhaust on the Moon

NASA researchers have developed new software tools to predict how rocket exhaust interacts with the lunar surface during landings and liftoffs on the Moon. The tools are being used to assess the risks associated with future missions, including the Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon. By simulating the plume-surface interactions, NASA can predict erosion, visual obscuration, and potential hazards caused by dust and debris. The research was conducted using the Pleaides supercomputer and showcased at the SC23 supercomputing conference.