Advanced Polymer Nanocomposites for Lunar Dust Mitigation and Surface Longevity

Lunar dust presents a significant challenge to long-term surface operations due to its high abrasiveness, strong electrostatic adhesion, and extreme environmental conditions. Existing dust mitigation strategies remain inadequate. To address this, RockyTech proposes the development of advanced polymer nanocomposite coatings that leverage a combination of mechanical compliance, optimized surface energy, and controlled surface interactions to actively reduce dust adhesion and improve removal efficiency. This six-month Phase I effort will focus on demonstrating the dust-repellent performance of lead polymer nanocomposite candidates under simulated lunar conditions. The research will investigate the interplay between surface energy and mechanical properties in dust adhesion and removal. Incorporation of hydrophobic/hydrophilic silica nanoparticles will be investigated to further tune surface properties. Experimental validation will be conducted through vacuum-based dust adhesion testing, thermal cycling from -173°C to +127°C, and plasma/UV exposure studies in collaboration with Space Dust Research & Technologies (SDRT). Dust removal efficiency will be studied using centrifugal force testing, where deposited dust particles are subjected to rotational forces to evaluate detachment behavior. The proposed coatings will be lightweight, optically clear, conformal, durable, and repairable, making them suitable for spacesuits, solar panels, optical instruments, and long duration lunar operations. If successful, this work will not only provide critical insights into lunar dust mitigation mechanisms but also position RockyTech’s materials for integration into NASA Artemis missions and commercial lunar ventures. Additionally, these coatings could serve dual-use applications in aerospace, renewable energy, and defense, where dust, radiation, and temperature extremes impact performance.

Lunar dust presents a critical challenge for NASA’s Artemis missions and long-term lunar surface operations. RockyTech’s advanced polymer nanocomposite coatings offer a novel approach to passive, durable, and lightweight dust mitigation, directly supporting NASA’s need for dust-tolerant materials in extreme environments. The proposed technology aligns with NASA’s objectives for sustainable lunar exploration, particularly in Z.Live.04 – Components for Extreme Environments, by providing dust-repellent coatings for spacesuits, habitats, solar panels, optical instruments, and rover components. These coatings will be engineered for thermal cycling resistance (-173°C to +127°C), optical clarity, and environmental durability with in-situ healing capability, ensuring long-term reliability in lunar conditions. Key NASA applications include: • Lunar Spacesuits (xEMU & Surface Mobility Suits): Reducing lunar dust adhesion on outer layers to enhance astronaut safety, visibility, and suit longevity. • Solar Panels: Preventing dust accumulation on energy-generating surfaces, reducing efficiency losses over time. • Optical Instruments & Cameras: Protecting sensors, camera lenses, and scientific instruments from dust contamination, preserving mission-critical data collection. This technology supports NASA’s Artemis Base Camp, Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS), and the upcoming Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) by providing a scalable and adaptable dust mitigation strategy. If validated, these coatings could be integrated into NASA's Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative (LSII), offering a low-mass, high-durability solution that extends mission lifetimes and reduces maintenance requirements in lunar and planetary exploration. Beyond space exploration, RockyTech’s dust-repellent polymer nanocomposite coatings offer broad commercialization opportunities in industries where dust, debris, and extreme environmental conditions impact performance, efficiency, and longevity. The technology’s combination of lightweight durability, environmental resistance, and optical clarity makes it highly adaptable for aerospace, renewable energy, and defense. In the aerospace industry, these coatings can be applied to high-altitude aircraft, UAVs, and satellite components to mitigate dust accumulation and enhance performance in harsh atmospheric conditions. In renewable energy, the coatings can protect solar panels deployed in desert and arid environments, preventing dust buildup that reduces energy conversion efficiency. The electronics and optical industries can leverage this technology for sensor protection and optical coatings, where dust accumulation can degrade performance over time. In defense and military applications, the coatings can enhance drones, surveillance equipment, and land vehicles operating in extreme environments by reducing dust-related maintenance and failure risks. Other industrial applications include self-cleaning surfaces for manufacturing equipment, protective coatings for wind turbines, and protective coatings for vehicles in off-road conditions, and durable surface treatments for infrastructure in dusty climates. With a global aerospace coatings market valued at $1.99 billion in 2022 and expected to reach $4.6 billion by 2033, along with the specialty coatings market projected to grow from $3.17 billion in 2023 to $4.48 billion by 2030, the commercial potential for these high-performance, dust-resistant coatings is significant. By offering scalable manufacturing and cost-effective application methods, RockyTech’s technology is positioned to enter multiple industries, bringing innovative, long-lasting dust mitigation solutions to both space and terrestrial markets.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.