Maturation of the Lunar DustCam instrument for in situ monitoring of lunar dust

The proposed Lunar DustCam is a very low SWaP-C imaging system for in situ monitoring of sunlight scattered by naturally mobilized dust (e.g., from meteoroid impacts, electrostatic lofting and levitation) as well as “collateral” dust ejected by surface operations (e.g., lander plumes, astronaut and rover traverses, and ISRU). Lunar dust is known to be an exploration hazard on the Moon due to its deleterious effects on imaging systems, thermal radiators, and moving parts, such that characterizing dust transport is a critical requirement for safe operations. The Artemis III SDT report outlines the importance of real-time lunar dust monitoring and determination of dust accumulation on habitats, equipment, and optical surfaces. Development of Lunar DustCam will provide a critical capability needed for safe lunar surface operations during upcoming CLPS, Artemis, and Moon Base missions.

Very low SWaP-C imaging system for real-time monitoring of naturally mobilized and collateral lunar dust; dust transport characterization critical for safe surface operations; supports Artemis III SDT requirements for real-time dust monitoring and accumulation determination on habitats/equipment/optics.

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.