Dust Solution Testing Initiative (DuSTI)

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

Mitigating dust is critical for the success of all future lunar surface systems as indicated by JSC ADP Focus Area #1. The solution space for dust mitigation is vast. Countless industry technologies for Earth-based applications. But what actually works? The Dust Solution Testing Initiative (DuSTI) project will test multiple dust mitigation technologies used in industry (soil stabilization/soil binders, filters, surface coatings, electro-mechanical, textiles, magnets) to determine Lunar potential and ring the SOA in industry to Lunar applications. Project enables engineers to perform hands-on testing to characterize candidate dust mitigation technologies in dusty environments. Leveraging four STMD funded efforts (yet2 Dust Mitigation Market Analysis and GCD Dusty Environments Classifications, Lunar Environment Chamber and Lunar Simulant Development).

Benefits

Dust is one of the most significant hazards to human lunar exploration. However, since the Apollo program concluded, limited research has been performed on lunar dust mitigation technologies. The safety of the crew members and sustainability of habitats, science, and supporting hardware depend on effective dust mitigation techniques and technologies. As NASA pursues a new generation of lunar missions with Artemis, the project team will pursue dust mitigation solutions with Dust Solution Testing Initiative (DuSTI). Dust mitigation technologies will be tested using NASA JSC/KSC and Air Dynamics test facilities designed to simulate the lunar environments the are expected to be applied in during the upcoming Artemis missions. Dust mitigation technologies will be tested using NASA JSC/KSC and Air Dynamics test facilities designed to simulate the lunar environments the are expected to be applied in during the upcoming Artemis missions.

Details

Technology area	Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing > Materials > Materials for Extreme Environments
Program	Center Innovation Fund: JSC CIF (JSC CIF)
Lead organization	Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Start date	2020-10-01
End date	2021-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Amy M Cassady — amy.cassady-1@nasa.gov

How to get involved

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.