Abstract Significant experimental and computational investigations have explored the feasibility of electrostatically-motivated dust motion on the lunar surface. The motion of lunar dust influences our understanding of the evolution of the surface and may also present a hazard to future exploration vehicles and astronauts. The possibility of a sustained exploration presence on the lunar surface opens the door to long-term experiments on the lunar surface, akin to the science facilities on the International Space Station. We have identified four measurements/observations that would significantly advance our understanding of dust-plasma interactions on the lunar surface. In this context, we provide conceptual designs for payloads to obtain these observations: a Langmuir probe, dust deposit witness plate, regolith charge measurement instrument, and cameras to look for evidence of horizon glow. These payloads could deploy independently and sequentially, or together as a suite. The proposed payloads would provide key observations that would inform future modeling efforts and direct future in situ experiments to understand the dust-plasma environment, both for planetary science and spacecraft design applications.
Highlights A suite of instruments to investigate dust-plasma interactions on the lunar surface are described. A Langmuir probe to characterize the near-surface plasma environment is described. Methods and challenges in measuring regolith electric charge are presented. A dust coupon payload is described to characterize dust flux on surfaces. Modern cameras to observe the lunar horizon glow are described.
Payload concepts for investigations of electrostatic dust motion on the lunar surface
Acta Astronautica ; 207 ; 89-105
2023-02-21
17 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
SPARCLE: Electrostatic Tool for Lunar Dust Control
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2009
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