Electrostatic Coating for Lunar Space Suit

Eliminate regolith penetration and reduce lunar dust adherence to EVA suits by adapting spacecraft electrostatic discharge (ESD) coatings to woven fabrics.\nThis project will develop proof-of concepts and perform initial testing of a silicone-based spacecraft electrostatic dissipative coating that has been adapted to the flexible woven materials of a space suit. After procuring prototype coated materials, the materials will be tested at JSC, GRC, and GSFC. \n\nThe aim of this new coating is to provide charge dissipation and dust rejection properties to the exterior of the woven space suit materials in a lightweight and multipurpose structure. This coating could also have applications in other lunar surface architectures such as inflatable habitats or rovers.

This project addresses lunar dust protection and resistance for space suits which represents a major technology gap for exploration. The findings of this project could impact how dust mitigation strategies are implemented across other flexible systems and human surface architectures. This project addresses lunar dust protection and resistance for space suits which represents a major technology gap for exploration. Its objective is to eliminate regolith penetration and reduce lunar dust adherence to EVA suits by adapting spacecraft electrostatic discharge (ESD) coatings to woven fabrics. The findings of this project could impact how dust mitigation strategies are implemented across other flexible systems and human surface architectures. This technology would align with Artemis Phase-II Missions (Post-2024): extended duration missions. Initial materials procured and early characterization of physical properties at JSC is taking place. Testing for regolith adhesion at GRC and plasma discharge performance at GSFC will begin in the coming weeks. Overall, it appears possible to manufacture a conductive coating for woven materials that have compatibility with the space environment.

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