ESA Plume-Regolith Interaction Facility
European Space Agency, hosted by University of GlasgowGlasgow
The University of Glasgow hosts the European Space Agency’s plume-regolith interaction facility. Its published purpose is to explore the physics of crater formation resulting from jet impingement, and the University lists high-speed optical, pressure, PSP, PIV and data-acquisition diagnostics.
Reviewed by Arc · About this review
Key facts
- ESA facility hosted by the University of Glasgow
- The University of Glasgow’s current Space and Exploration Technology facilities page says it hosts the European Space Agency’s plume-regolith interaction facility.
- Published crater-formation research role
- The University says the facility explores the fundamental physics behind crater formation resulting from jet impingement.
- Published facility information route
- The linked University of Glasgow brochure lists Dr Hossein Zare-Behtash and Hossein.Zare-Behtash@glasgow.ac.uk as the facility contact.
Testing capabilities
Plume-regolith crater-formation studies
The University’s facilities page says the ESA facility explores the fundamental physics behind crater formation resulting from jet impingement.
Published flow and impact diagnostics
The University lists high-speed shadow and schlieren photography, pressure measurements, PSP, PIV and data-acquisition systems for the ESA facility.
Equipment and published limits
| Specification | Published value | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Published volume and vacuum figures | Total volume over 70 m³; vacuum levels as low as 0.8 Pa | These figures are published on the University facilities page. The linked brochure describes an approximately 12 m³ test section, approximately 60 m³ buffer tank, approximately 3 m³ conductance pipe and an ultimate vacuum of approximately 1 Pa (0.01 mbar); confirm the current configuration and applicable operating conditions for a proposed activity. |
Access and contact
The linked University of Glasgow brochure lists Dr Hossein Zare-Behtash at Hossein.Zare-Behtash@glasgow.ac.uk. Confirm whether the facility can support a proposed activity, along with scope, availability, commercial terms, lead time and item acceptance, directly with the University of Glasgow or ESA.
Facility contact
- Address
- Glasgow
- Website
- Official test house website
Standards and accreditation
Public information not available. Contact test facility provider for more information.
What to confirm with the facility
Public information not available. Contact test facility provider for more information.
Before requesting a test
Public information not available. Contact test facility provider for more information.
Frequently asked questions
Public information not available. Contact test facility provider for more information.
Related testing facilities
Public information not available. Contact test facility provider for more information.
Further reading
Public information not available. Contact test facility provider for more information.
Sources and review
Arc reviewed the linked University of Glasgow facilities page and facility brochure on 30 September 2026 by direct HTTP retrieval. This is a review of published information, not a facility inspection, test witnessing or confirmation of availability. Confirm the proposed activity, current configuration and access terms directly with the University of Glasgow or ESA.
Arc publishes this directory entry and does not operate the test facility. Suggest a correction to Arc with a supporting source.
University of Glasgow Space and Exploration Technology facilities
University page used for the facility identity, ESA hosting statement, published research role, listed diagnostics and published volume/vacuum figures. It does not establish external booking availability, capacity, commercial terms, accreditation, item acceptance or a particular operating configuration.
ESA Plume-Regolith Interaction Facility brochure
University-hosted brochure linked from the facilities page, used for the named facility contact and supplementary published vacuum-system figures. It does not establish external booking availability, commercial terms, accreditation, item acceptance or a particular operating configuration.