Developing Abrasion Testing Hardware to Evaluate Effects Caused by Lunar Dust on Construction Materials
- Paper number
IAC-08.A3.2.INT3
- Author
Mr. Ryan Kobrick, University of Colorado at Boulder, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Kenneth Street, NASA Glenn Research Center, United States
- Coauthor
Prof. David Klaus, University of Colorado at Boulder, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Paul Greenberg, NASA Glenn Research Center, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Mark Hyatt, NASA Glenn Research Center, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Before humankind can return to its nearest celestial outpost for extended stays, many characteristics of the Moon need to be better understood. In particular improved methods for dealing with lunar dust, which caused a plethora of problems during the six Apollo surface missions, need to be examined. Recorded issues for astronauts on lunar Extravehicular Activity (EVA) were catalogue by J. Gaier at NASA Glenn Research Center and included vision obscuration, false instrument readings, dust coating and contamination, loss of traction, clogging of mechanisms, abrasion, thermal control problems, seal failures, inhalation and irritation, excessive crew time being used to clean EVA suits and equipment, and electrical conductivity. While safety of astronauts is top priority, dust mitigation technologies will also be needed for several other elements of the lunar architecture, including the lander/habitat, EVA Systems and equipment, surface mobility aids (including rovers), and robotic systems. This paper discusses the key characteristics of lunar dust and offers suggestions on how to form a model to forecast dust conditions for exploration, but the main focus of the research is on the effects of abrasion on materials. A model to forecast the expected lunar dust propagation as a function of the physical characteristics in a given region of the Moon, as well as the timing and location of the mission, could offer detailed insight into space-craft and spacesuit dust mitigation hardware requirements, material selection, and mission planning. This information can also be used to develop operational protocols governing habitat ingress and egress procedures, including spacesuit donning and doffing, such that dust penetration into the living quarters is minimized to the extent possible. Abrasion on spacesuits during Apollo led to unreadable scratched gauge dials, scratched faceplates on helmets, gloves were worn out after two eight-hour EVAs, and dust compromised suit seals leading to increased leak rates after each EVA. Understanding the working lunar environment, abrasion resistance can be predicted by using simulants such as JSC-1a with several combinations of construction materials for spacecraft and spacesuits such as metals, fabrics, lubricants, and ceramics. The approach for abrasion testing at NASA Glenn Research Center will be discussed in this paper, as well as preliminary results and the implications to surface exploration material selection.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.A3.2.INT3.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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