1 Active Surface Technologies for Dust Mitigation in Martian and Lunar Environments

Project Summary: The presence of fine soil particles poses a significant threat to human health and machine reliability during Martian and lunar exploration and habitation. This fine dust (with particle diameter as small as 10 nm) can quickly foul electrical equipment, cover solar panels, and penetrate through seals on space suits and hatches. The fine particles tend to be electrostatically charged, so that collision of the particles with space suits, vehicles, or machinery can transfer this charge to these objects, leading to rapid adhesion of dust particles onto the objects in question. Dust mitigation technology for lunar or Martian habitations must be effective for particles of diameter ranging from 0.01-100 microns and it must require small amounts of energy and material, which are highly restricted for space applications. The proposed project will explore the concept of an active surface, i.e., a surface with integrated dust sensors and dust detachment and removal actuators, which is designed to provide mitigation of fine adhesive dust particles with minimal energy expenditures. The active surface will utilize a combination of acoustic radiation, surface vibrations, or electromagnetic pulsing to induce dust detachment, which will be accompanied by a repulsive electrostatic field o