We present observations from the gas regolith interaction testbed (GRIT), which is a plume surface interaction (PSI) drop tower experiment conducted at the Center for Microgravity Research. We conducted experiments with four different media: steel beads, quartz sand, glass beads, and high-fidelity asteroid regolith simulant. Particle sizes ranged from hundreds of microns up to centimeter scale. By varying the jetting pulse time, we observe behaviors ranging from slight perturbation of the granular media all the way to lofting the entire simulant mass. Phenomena are much more pronounced in microgravity when compared to control experiments conducted at Earth gravity. Differences in particle size and nozzle distance produce varied PSI phenomena. These bear some resemblance to solid impactor experiments, but we observe flow-driven behaviors unique to gas-granular interactions.

Access the Conference Proceedings Paper on ASCE Library 

We present observations from the gas regolith interaction testbed (GRIT), which is a plume surface interaction (PSI) drop tower experiment conducted at the Center for Microgravity Research. We conducted experiments with four different media: steel beads, quartz sand, glass beads, and high-fidelity asteroid regolith simulant. Particle sizes ranged from hundreds of microns up to centimeter scale. By varying the jetting pulse time, we observe behaviors ranging from slight perturbation of the granular media all the way to lofting the entire simulant mass. Phenomena are much more pronounced in microgravity when compared to control experiments conducted at Earth gravity. Differences in particle size and nozzle distance produce varied PSI phenomena. These bear some resemblance to solid impactor experiments, but we observe flow-driven behaviors unique to gas-granular interactions.

**[Access the Conference Proceedings Paper on ASCE Library](https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483374.003)** 

Plume-surface Interaction Phenomena Observed in a Scaled Vacuum Microgravity Experiment

This conference brought the experience and knowledge of experts in the aerospace industry together to share and discuss the latest research and engineering techniques that effect the exploration and settlement of space. Presentations were made in multiple concurrent symposia over three days. Topics included: Granular materials in space exploration, exploration in utilization of extra-terrestrial bodies, advanced materials and designs for aerospace and terrestrial structures under extreme environment, structures in challenging environments, and space engineering, construction, and architecture for the moon, Mars, and beyond.

Due to challenges with COVID-19, this 17th Biennial was moved to April 2021 and was offered in a virtual format.

[Paper Proceedings](https://ascelibrary.org/doi/book/10.1061/earthandspace2021)

Conference DOI: https://doi.org/10.26226/m.63243a3fb7ff860013acd57f