Regolith Activation on the Lunar Surface and its Ground Test SimulationActivation of the surfaces of lunar regolith particles can occur through interactions with solar electromagnetic radiation, solar and galactic particle radiation and micrometeoroid bombardment. An attempt has been made to quantify the relative importance of each of those effects. The effects of these activated surfaces may be to enhance the adhesion and toxicity of the particles. Also key to the importance of activation is the lifetimes of activated states in various environments which is controlled by their passivation rate as well as their activation rate. Although techniques exist to characterize the extent of activation of particles in biological system, it is important to be able to quantify the activation state on the lunar surface, in ground-test vacuum systems, and in habitat atmospheres as well.
Document ID
20090026580
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Gaier, James R. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
July 12, 2009
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
2009-01-2337E-16960-1
Meeting Information
Meeting: 39th International Conference on Environmental Systems