ILC Dover, World Leader in Flexible Structures Technology

ILC Dover Lunar Dust Mitigation Methodology

Dust Mitigation ILC Dover Motivation Focus Overarching: Keep dust away from critical components in the first place (address issue at system level) Protect at Prevent Dust from - Concealment of critical components (space suits & Component Reaching Components Level robotics) from exposure - Containment of dust in various situations (bringing dirty items in for repair, etc.) Removable Procedures for Many options or disposable containment (and - Prevention of dust migration into areas you want to keep under study covers staging areas) clean (habitat, airlock seals, LSAM, etc.) (Lotus, brushing, electrostatic, - Improve logistics through prolonged life of components etc.) - Feed Mars efforts – Planetary Protection Technology migration (use High probability of success based on technologies in covers if applicable) Pharma/NBC experience - Emulate existing paradigms in use already

For decades, ILC Dover has been developing specialized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and procedures for eliminating exposure to operators who work in high-threat environments. These suits are able to be worn without encumbering operations, being doffed without exposure of the wearer, and are often re-usable. Examples include: • Nuclear Biological & Chemical (NBC) Suits and Hoods • High-potency pharmaceutical powder processing suits • Microbiological handling suits used in the Center for Disease Control ILC Dover has also developed and produced numerous enclosures and • NASA Propellant Handlers Ensemble (PHE) habitats used in high-threat extreme environments where “containment” is required. Many procedures for use (positive/negative pressure), staging, etc., exist. Examples include: • Chemical, biological & nuclear protective liners for deployable military hospitals and command centers • Deployable containment/isolation rooms for use inside other rooms (SARS, Anthrax, Avian Flu isolation, etc.) • Flexible disposable isolators that can surround equipment, allow it to be manipulated, and contain threatening materials (Ex: powder pharmaceuticals)

Isolators in vehicle for repair of dirty Don/Doff components or of covers sample containment Clean Habitat and Dust free airlock suit entry / Generation 1 Mobility Test Generation 2 Donn/Doff Test exit of airlock

EVA Ops Covered EVA Suit

Robots Covers to protect critical areas

Protective “Tent” – a place Elevated Grating - dust drops to to “hang-up your coat” surface off boots

Many earth analogs for protective covers & procedures exist which can be leveraged effectively in lunar exploration. These approaches address several dust related hazards (dust contamination, clogging of mechanisms, abrasion, seal failures, inhalation, etc.).

Contact Dave Cadogan (302-335-3911 x213, [email protected])