NASA Tests New 'Dry' Cryogenic Rig to Simulate Harsh Lunar Nights
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NASA engineers have successfully tested a new cryogenic rig that simulates the extreme cold of lunar nights without using liquid cryogens. The Lunar Environment Structural Test Rig (LESTR) uses a high-powered refrigerator to chill materials to temperatures as low as -388°F, enabling testing of next-generation spacesuit fabrics and rover tire materials. This technology represents a significant advancement in materials testing for future Moon and Mars missions.
Facts First
- NASA tested a new 'dry' cryogenic rig that simulates lunar night conditions without liquid cryogens.
- The LESTR can chill materials to -388°F using a high-powered refrigerator called a cryocooler.
- Engineers are testing yarns for next-generation spacesuits and advanced materials for rover tires using the rig.
- NASA is currently building a second version of the technology after spending over two years on the first.
- NASA Glenn leads the agency in advanced materials testing and operates facilities that mimic space, Moon, and Mars environments.
What Happened
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, cryogenic engineer Adam Rice tested the Lunar Environment Structural Test Rig (LESTR) at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. The test simulated the thermal-vacuum conditions of a lunar night. Engineers at NASA Glenn invented the LESTR, which uses a high-powered refrigerator called a cryocooler to create a 'dry' cryogenic test environment, a departure from traditional processes that use liquid cryogens like nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium.
Why this Matters to You
This advancement in testing technology may lead to more reliable and durable equipment for astronauts. Better-tested spacesuit fabrics and rover tires could be critical for the safety and success of future lunar and Martian explorers, which is a step toward sustained human presence beyond Earth. The development of a cleaner, 'dry' testing method also represents progress in engineering efficiency.
What's Next
NASA is currently building a second version of the technology, LESTR 2. The first version, LESTR 1, has already been delivered to Fort Wayne Metals in Indiana to test shape memory alloy material for lunar temperatures. The team will continue using the rig to develop advanced materials for upcoming missions.