Sparcle: Creating an Electrostatically Based Tool for Lunar Dust Control

The Dust Problem: The characteristic persistent adhesion and abrasion of lunar soil particles when interacting with surfaces introduced into the lunar environment [1,2,3] results from the combined electrical and physical properties of the grains. Particles reentrant surface structure causes them to physically ‘hook on’ like velcro and, apparently, to be easily electrostatically attracted. Here we present the results of our ongoing efforts to design and develop tools to remove dust based on our characterization of the nature of dust particles and forces affecting them. These behaviors result from their combined electrical and physical properties, which cause the particles to be easily charged, electrostatically attracted, and then almost impossible to dislodge by physical means alone. To insure the success of the longer duration missions planned for the return to the Moon, these issues with dust must be resolved. Understanding and being able to control changes in potentials of surfaces and charged particles on planetary regoliths is now an issue of considerable interest. Our study of soil surface properties will provide the basis for design of tools to remove or capture lunar dust [4]. Figure 1: SEM photo of grains comparing surface morphology of Lunar Dust (left) and simulant (right) illustrating size distribution, clumping, and complexity of smaller particles