Description:

• Studies (under vacuum) effects of lunar dust stimulant interactions with space power system components.
• Mechanical transport system provides dust application on test surfaces and provides triboelectric charging of dust particles.

Features:

• 0.6 m diameter, .75 m long cylinder
• 10^-7 – 10^-8 Torr base operating pressure
• In situ dust conditioning
• In situ dust activation
• In situ dust sieving
• In situ calorimetry
• High intensity solar simulator
• 30 K cold box
• Thermal characterization mode
• Fabric abrasion mode
• Rotation wear mode
  

Research Projects:

• Effect of dust on thermal control surfaces in the lunar environment
• Adhesion of dust on sensitive surfaces in the lunar environment
• Abrasion of space suit fabrics by dust in the lunar environment
• Effectiveness of dust sealing technologies in the lunar environment
• Wear of mechanisms by entrained dust in the lunar environment

Potential Uses

• Evaluating adherence of lunar stimulants to various power-system component surfaces and coatings while at operating temperatures.
• Evaluating thermal performance of high-temperature radiators evaluated as function of dust coverage.
• Adding solar simulator to conduct solar cell performance tests as function of dust coverage and temperature while in vacuum environment.
• Evaluating lunar dust abatement techniques.
• Studying dust-particle behavior in electrostatic fields.
  
  

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Curator:  Sandra.A.Zolo@nasa.gov and NASA Official Responsible For Content: Sharon.K.Milller@grc.nasa.gov
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Last Updated: 08/30/2008