Dust Mitigation Plasma Technology (DMPT)

This project is to develop a new technology to mitigate the risks associated with dust in future explorations. In this advanced technology, plasma will be used to create an electric force for removing charged dust from various surfaces (e.g solar panels, astronaut's suit). For Lunar missions, the dust gets charged by the solar wind. To develop and demonstrate active technologies to remove dust on relevant surfaces (visor, solar panels, metals, etc.), it is essential to study the physical properties of Moon dust particles under space plasma conditions and artificial electrodynamic conditions, and to understand the forces of adhesion and repulsion at work between the particles themselves and between particles and relevant surfaces. For a Martian mission, the atmosphere of the Mars consists of a low pressure CO2, which can be used to create the plasma with a properly designed RF source. The project will study the fundamental physics of charged dust particle lofting under plasma conditions and demonstrate key technologies in a laboratory environment.

A Science Definition Team (SDT) with members from US academic institutions was recently selected to support NASA/JPL in identifying lunar dust mitigation research and technology maturation required.

There is a well-known dust mitigation need for NASA's future human space exploration mission to the Moon and Mars. This project will enhance the understanding of the physical properties of dust particles and its interaction with the lunar environment. This scientific knowledge is important for many aspects of naturally occurring charged microparticles, such as Saturn's rings, and the formation and evolution of planetary bodies.

This technology may enable longer life and improved performance of surface instrument systems used in a dusty environment as well as reduced risk to astronaut health associated with hazardous dust particles during field work or inside the crew habitat.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.