It's not usually thought that lunar dust could be dangerous, and it's one of the main reasons why we haven't set foot on the Moon for more than 50 years. You would expect that walking on the lunar surface would be the same as walking on a sandy beach, but it turns out that the situation there is much worse than you would think. Because the surface of the Moon is directly exposed to the dangerous solar wind, and the lack of atmosphere there, dust particles have certain properties that make it very difficult for astronauts and equipment to function.
In my thesis I first investigate the physical properties of lunar regolith, why it is so abrasive and causes damage to astronauts' suits. I also describe the electrical charge present on the surface of the Moon, which is the main reason why lunar dust is so annoying and difficult to get rid of.
Later, I look at methods to get rid of lunar dust from space suits and other equipment. I describe in detail how the SPIcDER system works, which will be used in future astronaut suits. I will also discuss the performance of this system and how to integrate it into existing suits, where I will also go into the materials used for this system.
The work ends with safety considerations and, of course, what is the relationship of lunar dust to dust from other planets or moons. Finally, there is a look at what the future may hold for us in terms of upcoming Lunar missions.
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