Electrostatic Dust Lofting via Photoionization under Artificial Lunar Gravity

The Electrostatic Dust Lofting via Photoionization Under Artificial Lunar Gravity experiment enables researchers to perform photoionization of lunar regolith simulant grains and observe their electrostatic repulsion via high-speed imagery. The experiment will be conducted under the illumination of an ultraviolet lamp to produce an effect similar to that of solar fluxes on the lunar surface. Researchers will compare results with previous laboratory findings to implement a gravitational scaling law. They will also enter the data into a dust charging and lofting model currently under development at the Early Stage Innovations project led by the University of Colorado Boulder.

Electrostatically charged dust affects all lunar missions, so validating the models used to provide inputs to mission designs is imperative. With astronauts returning to the Moon, there will be health risks that need to be mitigated. Electrostatically lofted dust poses risk to mechanical, thermal, and electronic systems as well. The Electrostatic Dust Lofting via Photoionization Under Artificial Lunar Gravity experiment enables researchers to perform photoionization of lunar regolith simulant grains and observe their electrostatic repulsion via high-speed imagery. This has the potential to benefit NASA missions and the commercial space industry.

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