← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Active TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 8)
Develop and deliver dust sensors and a microcontroller to measure in-situ dust accumulation to understand the degraded performance and insulating effects on surfaces (i.e., thermal rejection of radiators) and anchor ground testing.
Lunar dust will be a significant obstacle in humanity’s further exploration of the Moon. It can clog mechanisms, interfere with scientific instruments, scratch/abrade surfaces, and reduce solar panel power generation and radiator heat rejection. As a dust detector, LDES could be used to locally monitor surface systems (e.g., science instruments, radiators, solar panels) and indicate when they need to be cleaned or replaced due to dust coverage and degradation. Sensor data would better characterize dust transfer and accumulation on the Moon to inform ground models, including plume surface interaction, and future hardware and mission design. LDES would be customizable to mount to and interface with a variety of space vehicles, habitats, surface systems and/or payloads.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.