NASA is actively preparing simulations for upcoming lunar extravehicular activities (EVAs) using its state-of-the-art experimental facilities located at the Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.
Among these facilities is the 9 x 15-foot low-speed wind tunnel, designed to study the aerodynamics and acoustics of aircraft engines during takeoff and landing conditions, helping to reduce noise in communities near airports. This tunnel was upgraded in 2019 to optimize airflow and decrease background noise.
The Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Laboratory (AAPL) is a 65-foot radius geodesic dome configured as an anechoic chamber to conduct aerodynamic and acoustic testing of engines and components. This laboratory houses several devices, including the Nozzle Acoustic Test Rig (NATR), the Supersonic Hot Jet Acoustic Rig (SHJAR) capable of testing nozzles up to Mach 2 and 800 K, as well as the DGEN 380 research turborjet (DART).
These facilities enable NASA to better understand the relationships between nozzle geometry, jet flow, and noise generation, thereby contributing to the design of quieter and more efficient engines for future lunar missions.