Hover Stand Development Enabling Expanded Experimental Capabilities for Mars Rotors

This paper presents the design and validation of the Rotor Optimization for the Advancement of Mars eXploration (ROAMX) Hover Test Stand, a vacuum compatible stand developed to measure rotor performance under Mars aerodynamic conditions. The stand integrates a high-speed water-cooled motor, a variable pitch hub, and a structural safety system capable
of withstanding the high loads resulting from rotor blade loss while enabling continued experimental operations. The stand also maintains the measurement fidelity required for thrust and torque characterization at low Reynolds number. Aerodynamic blockage was limited to less than 20% through geometric constraints on the stand architecture. Calibration and sensor procedures ensured correct load transfer through the intended structural load path and also verified sensor accuracy. Test Entry 1 demonstrated successful test stand performance and testing of experimental blades. The stand spun blades to 4,000 Revolutions per Minute (RPM) for Test Entry 1, but the motor is capable of continuous operation at 5,900 RPM. The ROAMX Hover Test Stand provides a reusable experimental capability that enables high-fidelity evaluation of Mars rotor designs.