Dust Mitigation and Extreme Lunar Environment Mitigation Technologies

A number of space exploration missions to planetary bodies have noted significant deleterious effects due to fine particulates. This fine dust can foul mechanisms, alter thermal properties, and obscure optical systems. It can abrade textiles and scratch surfaces. With near term goals to return to the Moon, lunar dust is of particular concern. It has the potential to negatively affect every lunar architecture system. In addition, temperatures on the lunar surface vary from 35 K to 400 K imposing extreme operational constraints on architectural elements. The goal of this focus area is to develop dust mitigation and extreme lunar environment mitigation technologies that can be incorporated into space exploration systems. All planetary exploration missions require a proactive strategy to lessen the effects of dust, extreme temperature variations, plasma, and radiation. Passive and active dust mitigation technologies and novel engineering design are needed to form a complete dust mitigation strategy. Spacesuits and mechanisms must be developed for operation in the extreme environments of the Moon. Proposed research may focus on development of new technologies, but there is particular interest in technologies that are approaching readiness for space environment testing. Exploration systems require dust mitigation and extreme lunar environment mitigation technologies within the following capability areas: Optical Systems Viewports, camera lenses, solar panels, space suit visors, mass spectrometers, other sensitive optical instruments. Thermal Surfaces Thermal radiators, thermal painted surfaces, thermal connections. Fabrics Space suit fabrics, soft wall habitats, mechanism covers. Mechanisms Linear actuators, bearings, rotary joints, hinges, quick disconnects, valves, linkages. Seals and Soft Goods Space suit interfaces, hatches, connectors, hoses; and, Gaseous Filtration Atmosphere revitalization and ISRU processes. Specific dust mitigation innovations being sought in this solicitation will be outlined in the subtopic descriptions.