Masten Space Systems, Inc.

05/25/2022

Lunar dust is no joke. 🙅‍♀️

In this picture, Apollo 17 commander Gene Cernan is covered in dust after conducting experiments on the lunar surface. Once back on Earth, he reportedly said, "I think dust is probably one of our greatest inhibitors to a nominal operation on the Moon."

Lunar dust is made up of tiny grains of crushed rock formed by meteorite impacts, effectively creating fragments of glass and mineral. Not only is this razor-sharp regolith dangerous to humans but also to spacecraft. 🚀 Engine plumes from landers will create deep craters and kick up high-velocity regolith that can travel up to 3,000+ meters per second and potentially damage the lander and other spacecraft surrounding it. That's why developing effective lunar landing pads is key to building a sustained presence on the Moon.

Check out the article below for a great overview of current research on this subject — including insights from our friend Dr. Phil Metzger at University of Central Florida — as well as proposed solutions, like our FAST Landing Pads!

👉 http://ow.ly/ZYyp50Jclf1

05/24/2022

Lunar ice is key to maintain a sustained presence on the .

That's why we designed a Rocket Mining System that can rapidly extract frozen volatiles from the lunar surface using a series of rocket plumes! Learn more below. ⤵️

The Moon's violent volcanic past may provide a vital lifeline for astronauts on future missions.

05/23/2022

It's a bird!?

It's a plane!?

It's... !

After a much-needed holiday, this reusable rocket is almost ready to get back to work. 🚀 Stay tuned!

05/20/2022

Now *that's* fire. 🔥
Happy , y'all!

05/20/2022

in 2019, we received a NASA SBIR Award to advance our PermiAM technology!

Our patent-pending additive manufacturing approach allows us to print rocket engine components as a single piece using a wider variety of metals.

In partnership with Elementum 3D, we're using this method to produce transpiration-cooled injectors for small launch vehicles, upper-stage engines, and other planetary landers.

What are the benefits of these injectors?

⏲️ Saves time: Requires 1-2 weeks to manufacture compared to 12-16 weeks for traditional injectors
💵 Saves money: Costs 60% less since fewer parts and less labor is required
🚀 Improves performance: Enables stronger, lightweight parts that increase engine thrust-to-weight ratio

What’s next? We've successfully completed 50+ tests on PermiAM injectors to prove their viability/reusability and will wrap up final testing soon. Stay tuned!

Masten's new PermiAM method allows us to 3D-print transpiration-cooled rocket injectors as a single piece using a wider variety of metals.

05/17/2022

We like short walks in the desert 🏜, building reusable rockets 🚀, and watching fiery sunsets ☀️. You?

📍 Mojave, CA

05/17/2022

Did you know we're not just landing on the ? We're also building mission-enabling technologies to solve the most pressing challenges in space, including:

🌑 Building instant landing pads to mitigate lunar dust
📍 Creating a PNT network to navigate the lunar surface
🥶 Developing a warming system to survive the lunar night
🚀 Building our 6th-generation VTVL vehicle to test emerging space technologies

Learn more about these innovations below!

From our FAST Landing Pads to our NITE System, Masten's mission-enabling tech is solving the most pressing challenges in space exploration.

05/12/2022

Additive manufacturing is key to build more sustainable technologies and spacecraft.

That's why we've designed a combustion chamber that can be 3D printed in just three parts to save weight and lower costs!

Get the scoop below.

3D printing will contribute to space travel, research and habitation. Insights from seminar focused on manufacturing challenges for the space sector.

05/11/2022

Can you spot ?

One of our engineers snapped 📸 this early morning picture while attending the Luxembourg Space Resources Week! (It's safe to say we're a little jealous.)

So far, Xelene has made it to Dubai, Colorado Springs, and Luxembourg. Where to next?! 🚀🌍

05/09/2022

🎶 Somewhere,
Over the rainbow...
Rockets fly 🎶

This gorgeous 🌈 recently appeared near our testing facilities at Mojave Air and Space Port!

Did you know rainbows are an optical phenomenon? They only appear under a specific set of atmospheric conditions — water droplets must be floating in the air (they act as mini prisms dispersing wavelengths, or colors, of light) and sunlight must be coming from behind you.

Next time it rains, step outside and see if you can catch a rainbow!

05/05/2022

in 1961, Alan Shepard became the 1st American in ! 👨‍🚀

Alan's suborbital flight lasted 15 minutes and reached a height of 116 miles. 10 years later, he became the 5th astronaut to walk on the as part of Apollo 14.

Our kind of hero.

05/04/2022

“Never underestimate a droid." — General Leia Organa. Happy ! ✨

Image credit: Martin Reisch, Unsplash