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Dust protection for environmental control and life support systems in the lunar environmentLunar dust is pervasive, and requirements for dust protection will affect both hardware design and operations planning for lunar surface systems. On Earth, mechanical problems caused by particulates include erosive and abrasive effects, clogging of mechanical equipment, and impairment of seals and bonds. In addition, dust tends to degrade the heat rejection properties of contaminated surfaces. All these effects have been observed on the lunar surface as well. This paper discusses the potential applicability of current dust protection methods to the problem of dust protection for the environmental control and life support (ECLS) systems of a lunar base, and highlights areas where development may be necessary. A review of dust problems experienced during the Apollo missions and of additional, ground-based experience with lunar dust provides a baseline for identifying operations and areas where dust may be expected to affect the ECLS systems. Current Earth-based methods of dust protection are identified and the impact of differences between the Earth and lunar environments on these methods is evaluated. Finally, integration of dust protection equipment with ECLS systems equipment is discussed.
Document ID
19930018790
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Fuhs, Susan
(AiResearch Mfg. Co. Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Harris, Jeffrey
(Lockheed Corp. Houston, TX., United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Arizona Univ., Proceedings of the Lunar Materials Technology Symposium
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Accession Number
93N27979
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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