JSC-1: A new lunar regolith simulant

Simulants of lunar rocks and soils with appropriate properties, although difficult to produce in some cases, will be essential to meeting the system requirements for lunar exploration. In order to address this need a new lunar regolith simulant, JSC-1, has been developed. JSC-1 is a glass-rich basaltic ash which approximates the bulk chemical composition and mineralogy of some lunar soils. It has been ground to produce a gain size distribution approximating that of lunar regolith samples. The simulant is available in large quantities (greater than 2000 lb; 907 kg). JSC-1 was produced specifically for large- and medium-scale engineering studies in support of future human activities on the Moon. Such studies include material handling, construction, excavation, and transportation. The simulant is also appropriate for research on dust control and spacesuit durability. JSC-1 can be used as a chemical or mineralogical analog to some lunar soils for resource studies such as oxygen or metal production, sintering, and radiation shielding.