Solar Array Dust Removal (SADR-STUDY)

A key challenge to any long duration mission using solar power on either the Moon or Mars is the accumulation of dust on solar panels. Dust accumulation prevents sunlight from reaching the panel, can cause significant loss of power generation and potential mission failure [1]. In fact, the InSight lander mission on Mars ended due to dust accumulation on solar panels. The Opportunity rover mission Mars likely ended for the same reason. The problems associated with dust on the Moon are ubiquitous. A famous quote from Gene Cernan, the commander of Apollo 17, describes the situation: “I think probably one of the most aggravating, restricting facets of lunar surface exploration is the dust and its adherence to everything no matter what kind of material…The effects of dust on mirrors, cameras and checklists is phenomenal. You have to live with it but you’re continually fighting the dust problem both outside and inside the spacecraft”[2]. Multiple techniques are currently under development for removing dust from solar panels on the lunar or Mars surface. Specifically for the Moon, some of these developments include the electrodynamic dust shield (EDS) [3], vibration using piezo-electrics [4], and dust lofting using an electron beam [5]. Development and testing of these techniques requires accurate simulation of lunar surface conditions, which include sunlight, vacuum, temperature and properties of the dust. In particular, the behavior of the dust is affected by ionizing ultra-violet light and the absence of moisture, due to extremely high vacuum conditions.The Solar Array Dust Removal (SADR) project is intended to advance the readiness of dust removal technology, with a near-term focus on lunar surface missions. The project has two objectives: 1) Establish the capability to test and compare multiple methods for removing lunar dust from solar panels in an environment that realistically simulates the lunar surface; and 2) Demonstrate effective removal of lunar dust simulant from solar panels using one or more of the candidate dust removal techniques.To accomplish objective (1), the team is assembling a test system with the capability to test the effects of dust on solar panels and multiple removal techniques in the relevant space environments. The system includes solar illumination, temperature, dust simulant, and space vacuum using a unique in-situ space environment chamber capable of evaluating fully integrated solar panels. In addition, the team will generate recommendations for standardized test procedures to enable testing of future dust removal techniques on a consistent basis. To accomplish objective (2), the team is preparing to test, optimize (if needed) and compare the effectiveness of multiple dust removal techniques. Candidate techniques for test will be selected from EDS, piezo-electric vibration and electron beam approaches, but are not limited to these. Performance will be assessed by measuring the power output from solar panels before dust accumulation, after dust accumulation and after dust removal. [1] C.M. Katzner et al, “The Effects of Lunar Dust Accumulation on the Performance of Photovoltaic Arrays”, Space Research and Technology Conference (SPRAT XI), May 1991 [2] J.R. Gaier, “The Effect of Lunar Dust on EVA Systems During the Apollo Missions”, NASA/TM-2005-213610 [3] C.I Calle et al, “Active dust control and mitigation technology for lunar and Martian exploration”, Acta Astronautica, 69, December 2011, 1082-1088 [4] J. Schwartz et al, “Dust Mitigation for Lunar Surface Solar Arrays”, Conference on Advanced Power Systems for Deep Space Exploration, October 2020 [5] B. Farr et al, “Dust mitigation technology for lunar exploration using an electron beam”, Acta Astronautica, 177, December 2020, 405-409

​Sustainable exploration and development on the Moon and Mars require that power sources, such as solar arrays, continue to operate for many years, or decades, similar to power sources on Earth. Solar power, in particular, is needed for the development of lunar and Mars infrastructure, scientific missions, landers and rovers. However, dust accumulation jeopardizes the long-term operation of solar arrays and can be unpredictable. Dust accumulation can occur in the natural environment and be driven by human or robotic activities, such as vehicle landing and take-off, rovers, astronauts, and excavation. On Mars, dust storms present an additional, formidable hazard. Removal of dust from lunar surface solar arrays will enable long-duration solar-powered missions on the Moon without the risk of power loss and potential mission failure from dust accumulation. Some of the same techniques developed to remove dust on the Moon may also be applied on Mars. Hence, the future of sustainable exploration and development on the Moon and Mars is expected depend on dust removal technology.

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