Directing an electron beam at spacesuits effectively blasts away abrasive lunar dust particles known as regolith. This technique shows strong promise for NASA's upcoming Artemis missions.
Apollo missions revealed regolith as the primary hazard on the lunar surface: tiny, glass-like fragments from micrometeorites that are highly sticky and abrasive.
Astronaut Harrison Schmitt, the 12th and final person to walk on the Moon on December 11, 1972, even suffered an allergic reaction after inhaling it. Covered head-to-toe upon returning to the module, he sneezed uncontrollably—a case of "lunar hay fever."
With NASA's Artemis program aiming to return humans to the Moon, lessons from Schmitt's experience are guiding improvements for future astronauts.
New suits are designed to prevent inhalation and contamination of life-support systems. However, regolith still clings stubbornly to exteriors.
Solar radiation charges these fine particles positively, causing them to adhere to any surface. In the Moon's low gravity, they lift easily—from astronaut movement or micrometeorite strikes.
Beyond suits, regolith impairs thermal control surfaces and solar panels, threatening power for potential lunar bases.
Researchers at the University of Colorado are tackling this with an electron beam cleaning method.
The electron beam penetrates regolith layers, ejecting secondary electrons (photoelectrons). Some lodge in microcavities between particles, imparting negative charges.
With sufficient electrons, negative charge buildup causes particles to repel each other, overcoming adhesion forces.
In vacuum chamber tests using simulated regolith on various materials—including Apollo-era suit fabric—researchers confirmed particles "flew off" as predicted. Cleaning efficiency reached 75-85%, varying by dust thickness.
Ongoing refinements aim to boost effectiveness and practicality for lunar use. Paired with simple brushes, this could safeguard astronaut gear and equipment.
