JAKARTA - As NASA prepares for the launch of the Blue Ghost spacecraft as part of its Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, the agency has announced various payloads intended for lunar exploration.
Among the payloads is the Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS), designed to tackle the issue of lunar dust accumulation. This technology utilizes electric power to lift and remove dust from surfaces. EDS can clear dust from thermal radiators, solar panels, camera lenses, spacesuits, astronaut boots, and helmet visors.
Since the Apollo missions, lunar dust has posed significant challenges. If successful, EDS could enhance NASA's ability to manage extreme lunar dust conditions.
Charles Buhler, Chief Scientist at the Surface Physics and Electrostatics Laboratory at Kennedy Space Center, emphasized the importance of this technology for future exploration missions. Lunar dust is abrasive and can infiltrate spacecraft and habitats, potentially causing numerous issues.
Unlike terrestrial dust, lunar dust has a sharp texture due to the lack of erosion, making it problematic for astronauts to handle. Buhler noted that simply rubbing lunar regolith can exacerbate issues, as it is electrostatically charged and highly insulative.