Proof of concept demonstration of novel technologies for lunar spacesuit dust mitigation

Manyapu, Kavya; León, Pablo de; Peltz, Leora; Gaier, James R.; Waters, Deborah L.

doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2017.05.005

Cited by 36 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Kavya and coworkers [57] have researched the possibility of dust removal from lunar spacesuits using EDS. Yarns made of Carbon Nanotube (CNT) flexible fibers were used to make electrodes for EDS, which has exceptional mechanical and conductive properties suitable for spacesuit conditions.…”

Section: ) Dust Removal For Spacesuitmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of particle transport and separation by electrostatic traveling wave methods

Cilliers

Hadler

et al. 2022

Journal of Electrostatics

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Section: ) Dust Removal For Spacesuitmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of particle transport and separation by electrostatic traveling wave methods

Cilliers

Hadler

et al. 2022

Journal of Electrostatics

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“…One lunar anti-dust technology is the Spacesuit Integrated Carbon Nanotube Dust Ejection/Removal (SPIcDER) system, which is designed to protect spacesuit outer surfaces 65 . The system uses an electrodynamic dust shield (EDS) and work function matching coating concepts, developed at NASA, that repel lunar dust via carbon nanotube yarn 66 . An alternative to the SPIcDER system is a new photovoltaic lunar dust removal technology, utilizing a dust-removing electrode (composed of the photoelectric material lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate) that polarizes for dust removal 67 .…”

Section: Spacesuit Designmentioning

confidence: 99%

Planetary extravehicular activity (EVA) risk mitigation strategies for long-duration space missions

2021

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Extravehicular activity (EVA) is one of the most dangerous activities of human space exploration. To ensure astronaut safety and mission success, it is imperative to identify and mitigate the inherent risks and challenges associated with EVAs. As we continue to explore beyond low earth orbit and embark on missions back to the Moon and onward to Mars, it becomes critical to reassess EVA risks in the context of a planetary surface, rather than in microgravity. This review addresses the primary risks associated with EVAs and identifies strategies that could be implemented to mitigate those risks during planetary surface exploration. Recent findings within the context of spacesuit design, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and lessons learned from analog research sites are summarized, and how their application could pave the way for future long-duration space missions is discussed. In this context, we divided EVA risk mitigation strategies into two main categories: (1) spacesuit design and (2) CONOPS. Spacesuit design considerations include hypercapnia prevention, thermal regulation and humidity control, nutrition, hydration, waste management, health and fitness, decompression sickness, radiation shielding, and dust mitigation. Operational strategies discussed include astronaut fatigue and psychological stressors, communication delays, and the use of augmented reality/virtual reality technologies. Although there have been significant advances in EVA performance, further research and development are still warranted to enable safer and more efficient surface exploration activities in the upcoming future.

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“…Some researchers have already studied CNT as a potential member to filter lunar dust reaching sensitive machinery and equipment, while others have experimented with the use of CNT in spacesuits for dust mitigation. 16,21,22 Though the use of CNT as a filter membrane has been studied, the use of CNT as a lunar surface textile still remains underrepresented.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of carbon nanotube sheet for lunar dust shielding

Giri,

Abdallah,

Kim

et al. 2024

Journal of Industrial Textiles

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Carbon nanotubes (CNT) sheet is a new type of nonwoven fabric that is being evaluated for different applications. This article presents the first friction-based investigation of the use of CNT sheet as a dust shield. The focus application is for shielding future machinery on the moon from lunar dust. Lunar dust is strongly abrasive; it adheres to all surfaces and causes wear. The absence of an atmosphere and water on the moon, along with its low gravity, and electrostatic adhesion exacerbates the issue of lunar dust, which affects all surfaces, including machinery and human apparel. Friction testing was performed to represent the effect of abrasion occurring on a garment surface while astronauts are working on the moon. The coefficients of static and sliding friction between two CNT sheets, held against each other by a weight, were 0.6 and 0.45, respectively. The presence of lunar regolith simulant reduced the friction coefficients between the two CNT sheets by 33% and 22% for static and sliding friction, respectively. The dust in the sheets was easily cleaned with dry wiping and compressed air, showing no requirement to use water for cleaning in space applications. However, the CNT sheets experienced wear after repeated friction tests. The CNT sheets passed the flammability test standards ASTM D6413/D6413M-15 and NPFA 1971 for applications under extreme heat conditions. Thus, CNT sheet can be considered as a multi-functional material for lunar applications, with shielding protection against dust and electromagnetic waves, and resistance to high temperatures.

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Proof of concept demonstration of novel technologies for lunar spacesuit dust mitigation

Cited by 36 publications

References 5 publications

A review of particle transport and separation by electrostatic traveling wave methods

A review of particle transport and separation by electrostatic traveling wave methods

Planetary extravehicular activity (EVA) risk mitigation strategies for long-duration space missions

Investigation of carbon nanotube sheet for lunar dust shielding

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