University of Colorado Develops Plasma Tunnel to Enhance Spacecraft Safety
Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder have developed a pioneering plasma tunnel designed to simulate the extreme conditions spacecraft face during reentry into Earth's atmosphere. This facility, led by Hisham Ali and his team, is one of the first of its kind globally, allowing scientists to test materials, heat shields, and sensors under intense heat and pressure. The plasma tunnel can reach temperatures up to 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hotter than the surface of the sun, replicating the shockwaves experienced during hypersonic flight. This innovation is crucial for testing spacecraft technologies before they are deployed in actual missions, especially as space tourism becomes more prevalent. The facility also has the capability to simulate conditions on other planets, such as Mars, by injecting carbon dioxide to mimic its atmosphere. 
