NASA Tests How Rocket Plumes Interact With Lunar Surface During Moon Landings

NASA has been conducting plume-surface interaction tests to better understand the hazards that occur when a lander's engine exhaust contacts the Moon's surface. The research is designed to support both NASA missions and commercial lunar landers operating on the Moon. A new phase of testing was launched, with updated findings shared in August 2026, building on work that originally began in December of the prior year. The tests aim to help engineers design safer landing systems by studying how engine plumes disturb lunar soil and create potential risks. Understanding these interactions is considered critical for the success of future crewed and uncrewed Moon landing missions.