Payload concepts for investigations of electrostatic dust motion on the lunar surface

Significant experimental and computational investigations have explored the feasibility of electrostatically -motivated dust motion on the lunar surface. The motion of lunar dust influences our understanding of the evolution of the surface and may also present a hazard to future exploration vehicles and astronauts. The possibility of a sustained exploration presence on the lunar surface opens the door to long-term experiments on the lunar surface, akin to the science facilities on the International Space Station. We have identified four measurements/observations that would significantly advance our understanding of dust-plasma interactions on the lunar surface. In this context, we provide conceptual designs for payloads to obtain these observations: a Langmuir probe, dust deposit witness plate, regolith charge measurement instrument, and cameras to look for evidence of horizon glow. These payloads could deploy independently and sequentially, or together as a suite. The proposed payloads would provide key observations that would inform future modeling efforts and direct future in situ experiments to understand the dust-plasma environment, both for planetary science and spacecraft design applications.

Automated summary

Experimental and computational investigations have examined the feasibility of electrostatically-driven dust motion on the lunar surface, which has implications for surface evolution and exploration safety. In order to advance understanding of dust-plasma interactions, four key measurements/observations have been identified and conceptual designs for payloads to obtain these observations have been proposed. These payloads would provide crucial insights for future modeling and in situ experiments to enhance our understanding of the lunar dust-plasma environment.