NASA science payload to study sticky lunar dust challenge

The Moon may look like a barren rock, but it is actually covered in a layer of gravel, pebbles, and dust known collectively as “lunar regolith.” During the Apollo Moon Missionsastronauts learned first-hand that fine, powdery dust – electromagnetically charged due to the constant bombardment of solar and cosmic particles – is extremely abrasive and sticks to everything: gloves, boots, vehicles and mechanical equipment. What challenges does this dust pose in the future Artemis-era missions to establish long-term outposts on the lunar surface?

That’s the task of an innovative scientific instrument called RAC-1 (Regolith Adherence Characterization), one of 10 NASA payloads aboard the next delivery for the agency’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) and is expected to be transported to the surface by the Firefly Aerospace spacecraft. Blue Ghost 1 lunar lander.

Developed by Aegis Aerospace of Webster, Texas, BECAUSE will exhibit 15 material samples – fabrics, paint coatings, optical systems, sensors, solar cells, etc. – to the lunar environment to determine with what tenacity the lunar dust adheres to each of them. The instrument will measure accumulation rates during landing and subsequent routine lander operations, making it easier to identify which materials best repel or shed dust. The data will help NASA and its industry partners more effectively test, upgrade and protect spacecraft, spacesuits, habitats and equipment for continued exploration of the Moon under the sun. Artemis Campaign.

“Lunar regolith poses a tricky challenge for long-duration expeditions to the surface,” said Dennis Harris, who manages the RAC payload for NASA’s CLPS initiative at the agency’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. in Alabama. “Dust gets into gears, sticks to spacesuits and can block optical properties. RAC will help determine the best materials and fabrics to build with, providing stronger and more durable materials, products and equipment.

Under the CLPS model, NASA is investing in commercial delivery services to the Moon to enable industry growth and support long-term lunar exploration. As the primary customer for CLPS deliveries, NASA aims to be one of many customers on future flights. NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the development of seven of the ten CLPS payloads carried on Firefly’s Blue Ghost lunar lander.

Learn more about. CLPS and Artémis to:

https://www.nasa.gov/clps

Alice Fisher
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-2546
Alise.m.fisher@nasa.gov

Headquarters, Washington

202-358-2546

Alise.m.fisher@nasa.gov