Dust Tolerant Joints

Lunar explorations have identified significant lunar dust-related problems that will challenge future mission success. Mechanical systems will be exposed to harsh regolith dust that comprises particles ranging in size from tens of nanometers to microns, and they need to operate on the dusty surface of the moon for months to years with little to no maintenance. NASA seeks technologies in rotary, linear and static joints that will protect from or tolerate dust intrusion. For this Phase I project, Triton will leverage our extensive experience in developing innovative bearings solutions for contaminant-rich environments to design and fabricate dust tolerant joints. We will perform environmental ultra-fine dust tests on the prototypes and evaluate their ability to mitigate and tolerate dust. A report detailing the design concepts and test results, along with recommendations on methods to optimize their performance will be delivered. In Phase II, Triton will optimize joint designs to mitigate dust, fabricate and test the prototypes under simulated operational conditions. Phase II deliverables will include a functional prototype, test results, as well as technology maturation and transition plan for application to mission-worthy systems.

This proposed program will deliver dust tolerant joints that will protect from or tolerate dust intrusion. The novel technology will enable mechanical systems to operate on the dusty surface of the moon for months to years, thus extending their lifetime and enabling the success of future lunar explorations. The dust tolerant joints can be used for Life Support Systems, Advanced Extra Vehicular Activity Systems, Space Suit Assembly, Robotics and Mobility Systems and In situ Resource Utilization.

This program will deliver a platform technology for mitigating dust in joints. Due to the ubiquity of joints in mechanical systems, this technology will extend the lifetime of mechanical systems used in contaminant-rich environments, leading to improved efficiency and cost savings. It will benefit numerous industries, including aerospace, automotive, heavy machinery, renewable energy, agriculture.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.