Dust and microbial mitigation methods for long duration lunar missions

Paper number

IAC-06-E2.2.02

Author

Ms. Anna Grinberg, International Space University (ISU), Canada

Year

2006

Abstract

The presence of dust and microbes in the spacecraft environment will greatly influence the integrity of astronauts’ immune systems during future long-duration lunar missions.  The Apollo missions documented respiratory problems resulting from the presence of lunar dust carried inside the vehicle following extra-vehicular activities.  Microbial immunology has been an area of research since the beginning of manned space.

This paper discusses the risks and mitigation methods concerning dust and microbe contamination within the spacecraft on long duration lunar missions.  This is particularly of interest given NASA’s Vision for Exploration, and ESA’s Aurora Program.  The moon is a near-future destination for astronauts and cosmonauts, and care must be taken to ensure their health given the autonomous nature and isolation from earth support that these missions present.  

The purpose of this paper is to provide unique insight into the necessary mitigation methods for dust and microbes specifically addressing the long duration lunar missions described by American and European space policy. In order to provide a foundation for understanding, the immunological effects these contaminants pose to human physiology will be overviewed.  Mitigation methods include spacecraft design, such as life support systems for air and water purification, and extravehicular spacesuit integration with the lunar lander.  Solutions for microbial environment analysis, such as microbes that have been proven hazardous in the long term (ie ISS) will be identified, as well as methods for their detection including gene sensors and organic filters will be presented.  Possibilities for interior design of the lunar lander to limit microbial growth, such as bioactive surfaces and specialized paints to limit bacterial growth will be proposed.  Proposals for mission planning, both earth-based and in space, are also discussed, which are intended to maximize insight into immunological function on such a mission in the future, while posing reduced risk and minimizing risk in the future.

Abstract document

IAC-06-E2.2.02.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-E2.2.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.