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Completed TRL 5 (started at 5, targeting 7)
The PUFFER-Oriented Compact Cleaning and Excavation Tool (POCCET) demonstration will assess the viability of a miniature dust removal tool designed to mount on small rovers, such as the PUFFER platform developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. On Mars and the Moon, regolith and dust cover rocky outcrops that must be cleared to provide accurate analysis of the samples beneath. Current dust removal technology is limited, relying on techniques that use physical contact and are ineffective in the vacuum of space. POCCET uses an effective pneumatic dust removal technique to rapidly “blow” dust away at a fractionally small mass.
Problem Statement Regolith and dust cover rocky outcrops on the Moon and Mars that must be cleared to provide accurate analysis of the samples beneath. Most current dust removal technology relies on brushes, rasps, or other removal techniques that use physical contact. In many circumstances, this technology is ineffective due to the dominance of electrostatic forces in vacuum conditions. Ultra-small rovers cannot carry the large batteries and actuators for such operations. To send more spacecraft to new places on the Moon, smaller spacecraft and mobility systems will be used. A miniature tool designed for mounting on small rovers, POCCET uses compressed gas to rapidly remove dust from the scientifically important subsurface of rocks, regolith-covered ices, key equipment such as solar panels, and sealing surfaces. Weighing less than 300 grams with potential for further mass reduction, POCCET could be used not just on the Moon, but on other solar system bodies, such as asteroids, comets, and Mars.
Technology Maturation Flight tests are expected to prove dust removal capability in a partial-gravity environment. The researchers will be able to address feedback provided by simulating lunar gravity in suborbital flights and using regolith simulant. With the technology currently at TRL 5, the flight tests will indicate performance in a relevant environment and allow the researchers to make any further design refinements needed.
Summary of Flight Test
2025-02-04 PUFFER-Oriented Compact Cleaning and Excavation Tool (POCCET) – POCCET is designed to explore granular material interactions with a pneumatic system in lunar gravity conditions. The system will demonstrate non-contact pneumatic trenching by blowing air at a known outlet pressure onto a surface of loose kinetic sand and recording the response. The data collected will expand our understanding of possible pneumatic applications as more mass- and power-efficient alternatives to traditional mechanisms.
A compact, efficient, and effective dust removal tool is essential for further lunar and Martian exploration. This has the potential to benefit NASA missions, the commercial space industry, other government agencies, and the nation.
Future Customers
• Small payload developers for lunar/Martian missions
• Lunar missions to clean scientific equipment
• Solar panels and dust-sensitive hardware for space missions and on Earth (e.g., solar farms in desert conditions)
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.
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