NASA/ TM–2008–213722 

An Assessment of Dust Effects on Planetary 

Surface Systems to Support Exploration 

Requirements 

Sandra Wagner 

Crew and Thermal Systems Division 

NASA Johnson Space Center 

Houston, Texas 77058 

December 2008 
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NASA/ TM–2008–213722 

An Assessment of Dust Effects on Planetary 

Surface Systems to Support Exploration 

Requirements 

Sandra Wagner 

Crew and Thermal Systems Division 

NASA Johnson Space Center 

Houston, Texas 77058 

December 2008 
Available from: 

NASA Center for AeroSpace Information National Technical Information Service 

7115 Standard Drive 5285 Port Royal Road 

Hanover, MD 21076-1320 Springfield, VA 22161 

301-621-0390 703-605-6000 

This report is also available in electronic form at http://ston.jsc.nasa.gov/collections/TRS/ 
i

Table of Contents 

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Problem Statement 2 

1.2 Document Collection 2 

2.0 Assessment 3

2.1 Systems Affected by Dust 3 

2.1.1 Advance Life Support Systems 3 

2.2 Air Revitalization System 3 

Subsystem/Component 3 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 3 

2.3 Water Recovery System 4 

Subsystem/Component 4 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 4 

2.4 Solid Waste 4 

Subsystem/Component 4 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 4 

2.5 Thermal 4 

Subsystem/Component 4 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 4 

2.6 Other Systems 5 

Subsystem/Component 5 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 5 

2.6.1 Advanced EVA Systems 5 

2.7 Airlock 5 

Subsystem/Component 5 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 5 

2.8 Spacesuit Assembly 6 

Subsystem/Component 6 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 6 

2.8.1 Portable Life Support System Power and Communications 6 

Subsystem/Component 6 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 6 

2.8.2 PLSS Cooling 6 

Subsystem/Component 6 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 6 

2.8.3 PLSS O2 7 

Subsystem/Component 7 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 7 

2.8.4 PLSS Vent 7 

Subsystem/Component 7 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 7 

2.8.5 Ancillary Equipment 7 

Subsystem/Component 7 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 7 

2.9 Unpressurized/Pressurized Rover 8 

Subsystem/Component 8 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 8 

2.10 Other Systems 8 

Subsystem/Component 8 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 8 
 

ii 

2.10.1 Advance Food Systems 8 

2.11 Food Systems 8 

Subsystem/Component 8 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 8 

2.11.1 Associated Systems 9 

2.12 Guidance, Navigation and Control 9 

Subsystem/Component 9 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 9 

2.13 Structures 9 

Subsystem/Component 9 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 9 

2.14 Inner-Vehicular Activity 10 

Subsystem/Component 10 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 10 

2.15 Fire Detection and Suppression 10 

Subsystem/Component 10 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 10 

2.16 Environmental Monitoring 11 

Subsystem/Component 11 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 11 

2.17 Power 11 

Subsystem/Component 11 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 11 

2.18 Electrical/Electronics 11 

Subsystem/Component 11 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 11 

2.19 Communications 12 

Subsystem/Component 12 

Effect due to Dust Exposure 12 

2.20 Risks 12 

2.21 Safety 13 

2.22 Crew Health 13 

2.23 Mission Success 13 

2.24 Cost 14 

2.25 Schedule 14 

3.0 Knowledge Gaps 15

4.0 Recommendations 16

5.0 Forward Work 16

5.1 Earth 16 

5.1.1 Part 1: Overall Earth-Based Forward Work 16 

5.1.2 Part 2: Requirements Development and Forward Work 17 

5.1.3 Part 3: Toxicology Forward Work 17 

6.0 Acknowledgements 19
 

iii 

Acronyms 

AIM Advanced Integration Matrix 

EVA Extravehicular Activity 

GN&C guidance, navigation and control 

IVA inner-vehicular activity 

PLSS Portable Life Support System 

QD quick disconnects 
 

iv 

Abstract 

Apollo astronauts learned, first hand, how problems with dust impact lunar surface missions. After 

three days, lunar dust contamination on Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suit bearings led to such great 

difficulty in movement that another EVA would not have been possible. Dust clinging to EVA suits 

was transported into the Lunar Module. During the return trip to Earth, when microgravity was 

reestablished, the dust became airborne and floated through the cabin. Crews inhaled the dust and it 

irritated their eyes. Some mechanical systems aboard the spacecraft were damaged due to dust 

contamination. Study results obtained by Robotic Martian missions indicate that Martian surface soil 

is oxidative and reactive. Exposures to the reactive Martian dust will pose an even greater concern to 

the crew health and the integrity of the mechanical systems. 

As NASA embarks on planetary surface missions to support its Exploration Vision, the effects of 

these extraterrestrial dusts must be well understood and systems must be designed to operate reliably 

and protect the crew in the dusty environments of the moon and Mars. 

The Advanced Integration Matrix (AIM) Dust Assessment Team was tasked to identify systems that 

will be affected by the respective dust, how they will be affected, associated risks of dust exposure, 

requirements that will need to be developed, identify knowledge gaps, and recommend scientific 

measurements to obtain information needed to develop requirements, and to design and manufacture 

the surface systems that will support crew habitation in the lunar and Martian outposts. 
 

1 

1.0 Introduction 

Planetary dust leads to major system and mission failure risks. To mitigate the risks associated with 

dust, Life Support and Habitation initiated a study to determine direction to better understand lunar 

and Martian dusts. 

Engineering requirements are required to bound measurable quantities within the functional limits of 

people or technologies. Good requirements are generated through a process that involves reviewing 

lessons learned, identifying systems impacted by dust and other contaminates. Once requirements are 

written, feasibility studies need to be performed to identify technologies to meet the requirements. 

The scope of this assessment was to identify applicable documents relevant to lunar and Martian dust, 

identify Lunar and Martian human support systems that will be affected by the dusts, determine the 

requirements that will need to be written, perform a gap analysis to determine what information is still 

needed to write the requirements, and recommend experiments and measurement on the Earth, moon, 

and Mars to obtain needed information. See figure 1 for a graphical representation of the boundaries 

of the assessment. 

AIM Interdivisional Dust Study

Recommended Boundary

Database

Knowledge Base Affected

Items

List

xxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxx

Requirements

Specification

xxx shall ...

xxx shall ...

xxx shall ...

xxx shall ...

Gap

Analysis

Gap ...

Gap ...

Gap ...

Gap ...

Data

Proposal

Lander

Science

Package

Proposal

Lander

Science

Package

Proposals

Proposal

Ground

Experiment

Proposal

Ground

Experiment

Technology

Report

Technology

Report

Feasibility Studies

System

Interface

Analysis

System

Interface

Analysis

Simulation

Based

Acquisition

Models

Simulation

Based

Acquisition

Models

e.g., Apollo

Pathfinder

Mars Rovers

White Papers

Conference Proceedings

e.g.

• Crew

•HVAC

•Space Suits

Products

Report Report

Legend

Boundary

Figure 1 

This report contains descriptions of the problem, document collection, the assessment, the team’s 

recommendations, and recommendations for forward work. 
 

2 

1.1 Problem Statement 

We know from our Apollo surface mission experience that planetary dust presents major risks to the 

success of surface missions on the moon and Mars. 

We know that on Earth, dust causes equipment failure. For example, after the WWII North African 

campaign, the military left almost all of their equipment because the sand made it useless. They found 

that dust-covered equipment needs great care in cleaning because the cleaning can cause even more 

damage. 

To mitigate these risks, we need to have an in-depth understanding of dust that crews will encounter. 

This assessment was performed to formulate questions that need to be answered in order to create 

feasible requirements, leading to mission success. This assessment asks the questions that, when 

answered, will lead to definition of the problem. 

1.2 Document Collection 

Team members collected documents discussing dust on planetary surfaces. The documents include: 

scientific data obtained on the Earth, moon and Mars; lessons learned from lunar and Martian 

missions; theoretical discussions of lunar and Martian dust behavior and chemistry; and, potential 

technical solutions to the problems we expect to encounter on the moon and Mars on future 

exploration missions. 

A document database was created to house data about the documents that were collected by team 

members and contributing inputs from source experts. The database contains information including 

title, author(s), date, location, and abstract. 

The documents are housed in the Dust Abatement folder on the AIM server. The documents have 

been named according to the unique identifier in the database. 
 

3 

2.0 Assessment 

2.1 Systems Affected by Dust 

The team began by identifying planetary human support systems that would be affected by dust. 

Systems were divided into Advanced Life Support Systems, Advanced Extravehicular Activity 

(EVA) Systems, and Advanced Food Systems. When the team identified other systems, they were 

placed into an Other Systems category. 

2.1.1 Advance Life Support Systems 

Advanced Life Support Systems included air revitalization, water recovery, solid waste processing, 

thermal control, and other. Then, each subsystem was further broken into subsystems and 

components. The effects of dust on these follow. 

2.2 Air Revitalization System 

The Air Revitalization System includes the ventilation system, trace contaminant control, carbon 

dioxide (CO2) removal, CO2 reduction, oxygen (O2) generation, CO2 compressor, and the particulate 

control system. 

The effects of dust on air subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure 

Ventilation System Mechanical components of vents, fans, intakes, louvers, may be 

compromised. Certain failures in these systems have the potential to 

become active dust spreaders rather than dust eliminators. 

Trace Contaminant Control Impaired system would decrease the capacity to scrub contaminants. 

CO2 Removal Desiccant and sorbent beds may become fouled with dust, reducing 

performance. 

CO2 Reduction Catalytic beds may become fouled with dust, reducing performance. 

O2 Generation May become fouled with dust, reducing performance. 

CO2 Compressor May become fouled with dust, reducing performance. 

Particulate Control System Possible system overload and/or drastic increase in mass due to high use of 

expendables. 
 

4 

2.3 Water Recovery System

The water recovery system may include a biological water processor and/or physical chemical water 

processor and water quality monitor. 

The effects of dust on water subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Biological Water Processor Bacterial organisms may be poisoned by chemicals in dust. 

Water Quality Monitor Clogging or blocking of chemically reactive sites or physical 

pathways of instrument resulting in performance degradation. 

2.4 Solid Waste 

The solid waste system includes waste collectors, waste transporter, mineralization system, waste 

containment, waste compactor, waste resource recovery, particle size reducer, waste disposal, and 

general solid waste impacts. 

The effects of dust on solid waste subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Waste Collectors If salts and metals from the dust are present, biological processes 

may not be able to remove said materials from the system and, if 

trying to use recycled materials contaminated with dust 

constituents, time dependent buildup to unacceptable levels could 

occur. Affects crops and water. 

Waste Compactor Compactor tubes may be scratched, scored, damaged. 

Particle Size Reducer Dulled cutting blades. 

Waste Disposal Filters and other components will be frequently replaced, placing 

a burden on waste disposal processes and storage. 

2.5 Thermal 

The thermal systems include radiators and humidity control. 

Dust effects on subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Radiators Deposits on the radiator surface may degrade performance. 

Humidity Control Clogging of pitot tubes, small orifices in rotary separators, and porous media used to 

separate condensate from the air stream. 
 

5 

2.6 Other Systems

Other Advanced Life Support subsystems and components affected by dust are crop growth, crop 

harvesting, valves, pumps, membranes, filters, seals, tanks, heat exchangers, flow tubes, fluid 

connectors, data connectors, and power connectors. 

Dust effects on subsystems and components were identified. 

2.6.1 Advanced EVA Systems 

Advanced EVA Systems affected by dust are airlock, suit assembly, helmet, Portable Life Support 

System (PLSS) power and communications, PLSS Cooling, PLSS O2, PLSS Vent, ancillary 

equipment, structures, tools and hardware, rovers, displays, solar cells, windows, lights, sensors, and 

cameras. 

2.7 Airlock 

Airlock subsystems and components affected by dust are quick disconnects (QD)/connecters and 

Hatch Seals. 

Dust effects on subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

QDs/Connectors Seal degradation, leaks, higher spares/maintenance. 

Hatch Seals Seal degradation, leaks, higher gas makeup, 

spares/maintenance, dust transfers into habitat/vehicle. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Crop Growth If dust is used in the root substrates, when it dries, circulating air 

around the plants may stir up dust. Chemicals in dust may poison 

plant organisms. 

Crop Harvesting Harvesting of dry crops may produce organic dust. 

Valves Compromise sealing surfaces, corroding or scoring turning shafts. 

Pumps Plugging, eroding bearings, moving parts. 

Membranes Chemical attack, fouling, puncturing, plugging. 

Filters Plugging. 

Seals Plugging or compromising sealing surfaces. 

Heat Exchangers Internal clogging, covering of external heat exchanging surfaces. 

Flow Tubes Clogged, scratched, scored, damaged. 

Fluid Connectors Sliding seals can get scratched and lead to leakage. 
 

6 

2.8 Spacesuit Assembly

Spacesuit Assembly subsystems and components affected by dust are outer garment, bearings, visor 

coatings, lighting. 

Dust effects on subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Outer Garment Dust accumulation/transfer to airlock-habitat; degradation of 

materials. 

Bearings Seal degradation, leaks, higher spares/maintenance. 

Visor Coatings Scratches/severe abrasion; loss of coatings. 

Lighting Reduced illumination due to dust coating illumination source. 

2.8.1 Portable Life Support System Power and Communications 

PLSS Power and Communications subsystems and components affected by dust are electric circuits, 

batteries, and fuel cells. 

Dust effects on subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Electrical Circuits Charged dust particles could result in static shock to electronics 

Battery/Fuel cell Dust in battery contacts cause power drain and potential short 

circuit. 

2.8.2 PLSS Cooling 

PLSS Cooling subsystems and components affected by dust are evaporative membrane, QDs and 

connectors, and radiator surface. 

Dust effects on subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Evaporative Membrane Contamination of membrane surface; transport blockage. 

QDs and Connectors Seal degradation, leaks, higher spares/maintenance. 

Radiator Surface Thermal coating degradation/loss of cooling efficiency. 
 

7 

2.8.3 PLSS O2

PLSS O2 subsystems and components affected by dust are QDs, connectors, and regulators. 

Dust effects on subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

QDs/connectors Seal degradation, leaks, higher spares/maintenance. 

Regulators Contamination of orifices; transport blockage. 

2.8.4 PLSS Vent 

PLSS Vent subsystems and components affected by dust are QDs, connectors, and venting 

membranes. 

Dust effects on subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

QDs/connectors Seal degradation, leaks, higher spares/maintenance. 

Venting Membranes Contamination of membrane surface; transport blockage. 

2.8.5 Ancillary Equipment 

Ancillary Equipment subsystems and components affected by dust are power tools, wrenches, 

sockets, drills, joints on translation aids, structures, and tools and hardware. 

Dust effects on subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Power Tools Dust in battery contacts cause power drain & potential short circuit. 

Wrenches Buildup and restriction of working parts. 

Sockets Buildup and restriction of working parts. 

Drills Buildup and restriction of working parts. 

Joints on Translation Aids Buildup and restriction of working parts. 

Structures Buildup and restriction of working parts. Corrosive constituents in dust may 

lead to degradation of structures if water used in EVA operations contacts 

dust on surfaces. 

Tools/Hardware Buildup and restriction of working parts. 
 

8 

2.9 Unpressurized/Pressurized Rover

Rover subsystems and components affected by dust are chassis, wheels, crew station, and airlock. 

Dust effects on subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Chassis (suspension) Dust accumulation. 

Wheels (tires, brakes) Abrasion/dust accumulation. 

Crew Station (seats, controls, 

displays, restraints) 

Dust accumulation. 

Airlock (hatch/seals) Seal degradation, leaks. 

2.10 Other Systems 

Other subsystems and components affected by dust are displays, solar cells, windows, lights, sensors, 

and cameras. 

Dust effects on subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Displays (wrist) Obscure view. 

Solar cells Obscure/reduce output. 

Windows Occlude or scratch windows. 

Lights Reduce light level. 

Sensors Loss of sensitivity. 

Cameras Occlude or scratch camera lens coatings. 

2.10.1 Advance Food Systems 

Advanced Food Systems included food storage, food processing, and food preparation. The effects of 

dust on these follow. 

2.11 Food Systems 

The effects of dust on food storage subsystems were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Food Storage System Contamination. 

Processing Equipment Contamination. 

Food preparation equipment Contamination. 
 

9 

2.11.1 Associated Systems

Other Systems affected by dust are guidance, navigation and control (GN&C), structures, innervehicular activity (IVA), fire detection and suppression, environmental monitoring, power, electrical 

and electronics, and communications. 

2.12 Guidance, Navigation and Control 

Dust effects on GN&C were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

GN&C Mechanical and electrical components may fail or degrade. 

2.13 Structures 

Other subsystems and components affected by dust are habitat structure, water pipes, water tanks, and 

filtration. 

Dust effects on subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Habitat Structure If Martian dust is reactive, the structure may degrade over time due to exposure. 

Water Pipes Dust getting into water pipes may contaminate drinking water. 

Water Tanks Dust getting into water tanks may contaminate drinking water. 

Filtration Excessive dust handled by filtration will require frequent change out leading to 

additional waste generation and weight lifted to the moon and Mars. 
 

10 

2.14 Inner-Vehicular Activity

IVA subsystems and components affected by dust are laundry, food preparation, medical implements, 

hygiene, filters, vacuum cleaners, seals, hoses, connectors, computer displays, crew time, cameras, 

windows, lights, and clothing. 

Dust effects on subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Laundry Additional water needed to wash dust contaminated clothing and discard of 

waste water and sediment. 

Food Preparation Food handling and meal preparation will require analysis to determine dust 

impact. 

Medical Implements (syringes, 

gauze, etc.) 

Dust contamination of medical implements will lead to crew exposure. 

Hygiene Crew will need to wash off dust and flush eyes. 

All Filters Cleaning and unclogging filters will release dust into the environment . 

Vacuum Cleaners Reduce efficiency. 

Seals Degradation of seals on all systems (airlock, oxygen masks/bottles, etc.). 

Hoses Abrasion. 

Connectors Abrasion. 

Computer Displays Reduce contrast of fine lines and edges. 

Cameras (interior) Occlude or scratch camera lens coatings. 

Windows (interior) Occlude or scratch windows. 

Lights Reduce light level and increase maintenance. 

Clothing Reduce/remove dust from clothing so it does not act as an abrasive to the skin. 

Crew Time Increase in maintenance/housekeeping activities. Increase in monitoring of 

system degradation. 

2.15 Fire Detection and Suppression 

Dust effects on Fire Detection and Suppression were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Fires Detection and 

Suppression Systems 

Dust contamination could result in detectors failing to detect smoke and/or 

suppression system actuators failing. May render system unreliable. 
 

11 

2.16 Environmental Monitoring

Dust effects on Environmental Monitoring were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Environmental Monitoring Dust contamination could result in failure of environmental monitoring 

systems/windows and camera lenses coated with dust, obscuring view. 

2.17 Power 

Power subsystems and components affected by dust are heat rejection and radiators, solar arrays and 

PV cells, solar cells, and solar sensors. 

Dust effects on subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Heat Rejection/Radiators Radiator performance degraded. Lowers efficiency/system overheat. 

Solar Arrays/PV Cells Lowers efficiency. 

Solar Panels Dust collecting on solar panels will degrade power generation systems. 

Solar Cells Occludes light to solar cells. 

Solar Sensors Underestimate intensity. 

2.18 Electrical/Electronics 

Electrical and electronic subsystems and components affected by dust are avionics, keyboards, 

buttons, switches, circuits, electrical connectors, and data connections. 

Dust effects on subsystems and components were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Avionics Dust contamination will cause degraded performance and may cause failure of 

critical systems. 

Keyboards Keyboard failure. 

Buttons Button failure. 

Switches Switch failure. 

Circuits Dust contamination will cause degraded performance and may cause failure of 

critical systems. 

Electrical Connectors Dust in battery contacts cause power drain and potential short circuit. 

Data Connectors Dust in data connectors may cause degraded performance or failure. 
 

12 

2.19 Communications

Dust effects on communication systems were identified. 

Subsystem/Component Effect due to Dust Exposure

Communications Communications systems may be degraded with exposure to dust. Optics 

performance degrades with dust buildup. 

2.20 Risks 

Risk identification and preliminary consequence assessment is a valuable tool in risk mitigation 

decisions during the early phases of projects. The team performed a high-level risk assessment based 

on the effects of dust on each system. Identified risks fall into three categories: safety, crew health, 

and mission success. Cost and schedule risks are also assessed. 

The following tables define the risk identifications for likelihood and consequence as used in this study: 

What is the likelihood the situation or circumstance will happen ?

. . . Or the current process . . . Level

5

4

3

2

1

Probability

Very High cannot prevent this event, no alternative approaches or processes 

are available.

High cannot prevent this event, but a different approach or process might

Moderate may prevent this event, but additional actions will be required.

Low is usually sufficient to prevent this type of event.

Very Low is sufficient to prevent this event.

L

I

K

E

L

H

O

O

D

I

Budget Increase

>15% 

Budget Increase

>10% 

Budget Increase

>5% 

Budget Increase

< 5% 

Minimal or 

Cost no impact

Key Program milestone 

slip > 1 month, or 

Program critical 

path impacted 

Major Reduction, 

But Alternatives 

Available 

4

Cannot achieve

Major Program

milestone 

Key Program 

milestone slip 

<= 1 month

Additional activities

required. Able to

Meet date. 

Minimal or

no impact 

Schedule

Unacceptable, No 

Alternatives Exist

Moderate Reduction, 

But Alternatives 

Available

Moderate Reduction, 

Same Approach 

Retained 

Technical

Level 1 2 3 5

What is the Consequence (Cost, Schedule, Technical, or Safety) of this OSP risk?

C

O

N

S

E

Q

U

E

N

C

E

Minimal or

no impact 

Safety

•No Safety and 

Health Plan 

Violation

•No adverse

hazard or 

reliability 

change

•Full regulatory

compliance

•Documented CIL

•Change in hazard 

controls but no 

increase in PRA

•Minor violation of 

Federal or State 

regulation

•<10% decrease in 

reliability

•CIL without 

acceptance rationale

•Change in hazard 

controls with increase 

in PRA

•Violation of Federal 

or State regulation

•10-20% decrease in 

reliability

•Major but temporary 

injury

•Potential damage to 

assets

•Multiple violations of 

Federal or State 

regulation

•>20% decrease in 

reliability

•Potential for 

permanent injury or 

death

•Loss of critical 

assets

•Willful or major 

violations of Federal 

or State regulation
 

13 

2.21 Safety 

Risk Statement: If critical life-safety systems fail due to dust buildup on systems, injury or loss of 

crew member(s) will result. 

Consequences: 4 to 5, severe injury or loss of crew. 

Likelihood: 5, critical life-safety systems do not yet exist to function in the Martian and lunar dusty 

environments. 

Context: This risk was identified in Advanced Life Support, Advanced EVA, and Other Systems. The 

affected subsystems and components include ventilation, electronics, CO2 removal, fire detection and 

suppression, EVA suits, rovers, windows, visors, optics, crops, and power systems. If critical life support 

systems completely fail, rescue is not feasible because a rescue mission, even if it were ready to launch 

immediately, would take 3 days for a crew visiting the moon and months for a crew visiting Mars. 

2.22 Crew Health 

Risk Statement: If the crew inhales or ingests dust, adverse health effects will result. 

Consequences: 2 to 5, mild illness to loss of crew. 

Likelihood: 5, health protection systems do not yet exist to function in the Martian and lunar dusty 

environments. 

Context: This risk was identified in Advanced Life Support, Advanced Food Systems, and Other 

Systems. Dust could be transported into the habitat via a dust-contaminated airlock and dust-laden 

EVA suits. The presence of dust in the habitable area will decrease effectiveness of air, water, and 

food management systems, and it will pose an inhalation hazard to the crew. Inhalation of sufficient 

amounts of lunar dust could impair lung function. Exposures to Martian dust, which is oxidative and 

reactive and have a greater potential to produce lung pathology, will pose a greater health risk to 

crew. In the context of human presence, the single largest concerns are the respiratory effects 

associated with fine dust of respirable sizes. 

2.23 Mission Success 

Risk Statement: If dust causes early degradation of mission critical components, crew will be diverted 

from science and mission may terminate prematurely. 

Consequences: 3 to 4, loss of science and/or premature mission termination. 

Likelihood: 5, mission critical systems do not yet exist to function in the Martian and lunar dusty 

environments. 

Context: This risk was identified in Advanced Life Support, Advanced Food Systems, and Other 

Systems. Affected subsystems and components include water processing, waste management, 

ventilation, humidity control, thermal management, electrical, food supply, computer, computers and 

avionics, EVA Systems, windows, cameras, and scientific collection and analysis systems. To control 

dust, crew will be diverted from science activities to perform cleaning, replacement, and maintenance 

activities. If mission critical systems fail, mission will have to be terminated prematurely. 
 

14 

2.24 Cost 

Risk Statement: If new technology is not developed and systems designed to minimize the effects of 

Martian and lunar dust on Human Support Systems, cost of mission will be prohibitive. 

Consequences: 5, program cancellation. 

Likelihood: 5, dust control systems do not yet exist to manage dust in the Martian and lunar 

environments 

Context: This risk applies to every system, subsystem, and component analyzed. Transporting 

replacement parts to the moon and Mars add to mission cost. The lower the reliability of surface 

human support systems, the more replacement parts must be transported and the greater the expense 

of supplying replacement parts. 

2.25 Schedule

Risk Statement: If new information about lunar and Martian dust is learned after systems have been 

designed reveals that surface human support systems designs are insufficient, design changes will 

lead to significant schedule slips. 

Consequences: 5, greater than 20 percent schedule slip. 

Likelihood: 5, dust is not well understood. 

Context: This risk applies to every system, subsystem, and component analyzed. 
 

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3.0 Knowledge Gaps 

Definition of knowledge gap: Identification of areas of study where information is not available to 

address critical questions. To mitigate the above risks, the team identified knowledge gaps for lunar 

and Martian soil. The recommendations section suggested tests, sampling, and analysis to fill the 

knowledge gaps. Armed with more complete knowledge, designers will be equipped to design 

systems for reliability in the dusty environments. 

The physical and chemical properties of lunar dust are well understood for Apollo Surface Mission 

locations. Dust was returned from the moon and complete characterization has been performed. 

Other locations, such the far side, have not been sampled and analyzed. Simulants have been 

developed to approximate lunar dust and have been used to test various components. Actual moon 

dust has not been used for this purpose. Differences between lunar dust and the simulant may result in 

additional studies and redesign. The toxicological properties of simulated lunar soil have been 

characterized; however, the toxicity of the real moon dust has not been tested. 

Martian dust is not as well understood because samples have not been analyzed at the same level of 

detail. Information needed to mitigate risks include pH, complete chemical characterization including 

trace and toxic constituents, particle size, electrostatic properties, magnetic susceptibility, corrosion, 

reactivity, mineral content, velocity and particle size of sand in dust storm cores, aggregation, in-situ 

thermal conductivity, morphology, photoreactions, optical properties in the optical and thermal 

infrared region, thermal cycling, in-situ dust adherence, and rate of accumulation. 

The table below provides dust parameters and identifies the associated risk. 

Dust Parameter Associated Risk(s) 

pH Safety/Crew Health/Mission Success 

Complete chemical characterization including 

trace and toxic constituents 

Crew Health/Mission Success 

Particle size Safety/Crew Health/Mission Success 

Electrostatic properties/Magnetic susceptibility Safety/Mission Success 

Corrosion Safety/Crew Health/Mission Success 

Reactivity Safety/Crew Health/Mission Success 

Mineral content Crew Health 

Velocity and particle size of sand in dust storm 

cores and agglomeration 

Mission Success 

In-situ Thermal Conductivity Safety/Mission Assurance 

Morphology Safety/Mission Assurance 

Photoreactions Safety/Mission Assurance 

Optical Properties in the optical and thermal 

infrared region 

Safety/Mission Assurance 

Thermal Cycling Safety/Mission Assurance 

In-situ Dust Adherence Safety/Mission Assurance 

Rate of natural accumulation Safety/Mission Assurance 

Aggregation Safety/Mission Assurance 
 

16 

4.0 Recommendations 

Recommendations included measurements of lunar and Martian dust, and test and demonstration of 

systems and components using dust simulants. 

The recommendations for sampling and analysis that can only be made on the Martian surface will be 

forwarded to the Mars Human Precursor Science Steering Group’s Dust, Soil and Toxicology Team 

for their use in developing requirements for future robotic missions to Mars. 

Recommendations for sampling and analysis that can only be made on the lunar surface will be 

forwarded to the Lunar Human Precursor Team for their use in developing requirements for future 

robotic missions to the moon. 

5.0 Forward Work 

Forward work was broken down into activities that should be performed on Earth, the moon, and 

Mars. The team’s recommendations follow. 

5.1 Earth 

The recommendations for Earth-based forward work are divided into three parts. Part 1 describes 

overall forward work. Part 2 considers work that should be done to develop and validate 

requirements. Part 3 considers toxicology forward work. 

5.1.1 Part 1: Overall Earth-based Forward Work 

Review all relevant lunar surface data (Apollo experience, laboratory testing of samples) to develop a 

standard set of lunar dust properties that future designers can use. 

Review all relevant Mars surface data (remote sensing, lander experience) to develop a standard set of 

Martian dust properties that future designers can use. 

Develop and fully characterize new lunar and Martian soil simulants that can be used in a wide 

variety of test programs. 

Develop lunar and Martian test chamber that closely approximates the vacuum, thermal, and electrical 

properties of the lunar and Martian surfaces to support test programs. 

Develop a test program, equivalent to the "shake and bake" testing performed on spacecraft prior to 

launch, to demonstrate that systems can function in the lunar and Martian dust environments. 

Work with the Lunar Curator to obtain small quantities of actual lunar dust for critical test programs 

(i.e., toxicology). 

Compile information (such as symptoms) on Apollo crew’s experience with the lunar dust. 

Implement complete medical monitoring for astronauts exposed to lunar and Martian dust. 

Survey technology investments currently being performed by industry, academia, and the Department 

of Defense in the areas of dust removal systems (electrostatic, mechanical); new materials and surface 

treatments; materials to ensure integrity of seals and joints, as well as novel, time-saving operational 

approaches toward dust mitigation. Identification of advanced materials, systems, and components 
 

17 

with potential to mitigate problems arising from adherence and entry of lunar and Martian dust during 

EVA may assist with future design considerations for the EVA suit. 

5.1.2 Part 2: Requirements Development and Forward Work

Developing requirements will require the identification of interactions between systems and 

subsystems. Higher level requirements will result from element and part level requirements. As 

subsystems are joined together, global limits are established and become the “working requirement,” 

the global limiting case. Each subsystem/assembly will have its own accumulation or concentration 

limits; thus, each subsystem will have to identify the impact of dust independently and in union with 

total system. 

When requirements are generated, care must be made to account for the total accumulated 

contaminate level and the recognition of accumulation rate. Instantaneous measures that verify “safe” 

operating limits are subject to change, especially when coupled with moving boundary components 

like egresses. The instantaneous dust limit may be defined in terms of human occupancy but possibly 

to some stricter limit that reduces maintenance time and reduces weight of cleaning systems to be 

launched. Instantaneous limits cannot be pinned down until the individual subsystems define their 

operational limits. Recommendations to explore these subjects are provided: 

1. Conduct studies of a) dust characterization (size, density, etc.) in the vicinity of the habitat, b) 

potential for dust to enter pressurized cabin (weight or volume per minute, thru airlock primarily), 

and c) dust concentration in cabin due to intrusion. 

2. Identify maximum dust concentration allowed in cabin (probably the NASA-STD-3000 value). 

3. Each major system needs to identify their maximum allowable dust accumulation (weight or 

volume per unit of time) and maximum dust concentration, and compare these to the potential 

dust accumulation rate from 1b, and to the maximum concentration allowed (from 2) to determine 

if additional filtering equipment is needed either at the system level or the airlock/cabin level. 

4. Redefine the maximum dust concentration allowed in (2) if warranted, and iterate on steps 1 to 3. 

5.1.3 Part 3: Toxicology Forward Work 

Crew members will require adequate protection from the toxicological effects of dust present on the 

lunar or Martian surfaces. The level of that protection will depend on a number of the physical and 

chemical properties of these dusts. Requirements need to be created to determine the following 

parameters: 

1. Diversity of the types of dust that could be present in the area of the outpost. Based on brief 

discussions, one would expect that Martian dust is well mixed on a planetary basis and does 

not differ from one location to another. Lunar dust may differ depending on the nature of the 

impacts that created the dust in the vicinity of the outpost. If the launch platform is not far 

from the outpost, then one must consider the added effect of propellant byproducts on the 

surface of the dust. 

2. Particle size and shape distribution of the dust fraction below 20 microns. Particles below 10 

microns can be respired into the lower respiratory tract where injury can occur. Crystalline 

particles will be more toxic than amorphous particles of the same composition. 
 

18 

3. Reactivity of the particle surface may be a major factor in determining the potential hazard to 

crew health. Based on the data obtained by NASA from the Apollo manned missions and 

Martian robotic missions, Martian surface soil is oxidizing and reactive, whereas lunar dust is 

relatively inert. The results of our study with simulated Martian and lunar dusts supported this 

speculation that the former would be more toxic than the latter. However, how toxic are lunar 

and Martian dusts would require further investigations with the lunar dust and simulated 

Martian dusts (Hawaii volcanic ash) doped with appropriated oxidative chemicals. 

4. If in-situ resources are to be used, then the dust generated in association with that process 

must be assessed for hazard to the crew. For example, if water is to be recovered from in-situ 

resources, then the dust that accompanies that water must be removed to a safe level for 

consumption by the crew. 

5. Larger, non-respirable particles could present a hazard to the eyes of the crew. 

Ambient exposure limits of dusts in the habitable environments in the lunar and Martian outposts 

need to be set. 

Prolonged exposures to dusts may result in fibrosis and other lung diseases. The toxicity of dusts in 

the lungs will depend on particle sizes, chemical composition, surface chemistry, and geometry. 

Based on the data obtained by NASA from the Apollo manned missions and Martian robotic 

missions, Martian surface dust is oxidizing and reactive, whereas lunar dust is relatively inert. Our 

toxicity study with simulated Martian and lunar dusts supported the speculation that the former would 

be more toxic than the latter. However, how toxic are the lunar and Martian dusts would require 

further investigations with the lunar dust and activated simulated Martian dusts (Hawaii volcanic ash 

doped with appropriated oxidative chemicals) in animals. 

To substantiate experimental results obtained from animal toxicity studies with the lunar dust and 

activated simulated Martian dust, results should be gathered from epidemiology studies of human 

exposures to volcanic ashes, and information on crew experience with the lunar dusts in the lunar 

commending modules should be collected. 

Moon (things that can only be done on the lunar surface)

For lunar missions, the team recommended that samples be collected and analyzed in regions where 

dust may be different than the samples collected in the Apollo surface missions. For example, this 

information would be valuable for missions that include in-situ resource utilization on the polar 

regions that may contain water, or for science missions that require low interference from Earth radio 

sources such as observation using telescopes. 

Other measurements include fully characterizing electrostatic levitation, the only known mechanism 

for mobilizing significant quantities of lunar dust. Dust can also be moved by mechanical means, such 

as a sweeper, brush, rovers, and crew moving across the surface, or if the particles are magnetic by 

magnets. Magnetic properties of the dust should be determined, as well. 

The team also recommended demonstrating the operation of airborne dust monitors and filters in the 

lunar environment prior to committing human crews. 
 

19 

Mars (things that can only be done on the Martian surface)

For Mars missions, the team recommended rovers and Mars Sample Return to characterize soil for 

the parameters identified in the risk section of this report. 

Further recommendations were: 

• Measure dust loading in the Martian atmosphere under a variety of environmental conditions 

• Fully characterize the electrostatic properties of the Martian surface 

• Return Martian dust samples to Earth for full analysis well before committing humans to a 

Mars mission 

6.0 Acknowledgements 

The following team members contributed to this assessment and to the content of this report, thank 

you for your support. 

Juan Agui Geoffrey Landis 

Carlton (Carl) Allen Saodung Lu 

Molly Anderson Richard McCluskey 

Jennifer Breland Sharon Miller 

Kalyn Bullock Frances Mount 

Carlos Calle M Nakagawa 

Ivan Cavenall Justine Parker 

Debra Chowning Michele Perchonok 

Jeannie Corte Enrique Rame 

Sekou Crawford Doug Rask 

Katherine Daues Rick Rogers 

Bruce Duffield Amy Ross 

Julianna Fishman Gerald (Jerry) Sanders 

James (Jim) Gaier Elisa Sandvik 

Hector Garcia Mark Seibert 

Michael Gernhardt Laura Shaw 

Jennifer Gessler Frederick (Fred) Smith 

Paul Greenberg Gretchen Thomas 

Barry Hillard Padetha Tin 

Gary Hunter David Treat 

John James Luis Trevino 

Phillip (Phil) Jenkins Robert Trevino 

Christina (Tina) Karniotis David Urban 

Lara Kearney Randy Vander Wal 

Kriss Kennedy Sandra (Sandy) Wagner 

Joseph (Joe) Kosmo Deborah Waters 

Mike Krihak James Watts 

Chiu-Wing Lam Allen Wilkinson 
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 December 2008 NASA Technical Memorandum 

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5. FUNDING NUMBERS

An Assessment of Dust Effects on Planetary Surface Systems to Support Exploration 

Requirements 

 

6. AUTHOR(S) 

Sandra Wagner, Crew and Thermal Systems Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, 

Houston, Texas 77058 

 

7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION 

REPORT NUMBERS

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center 

Houston, Texas 77058 

S-0979 

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National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

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TM-2007-213722 

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13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words)

Apollo astronauts learned, first hand, how problems with dust impact lunar surface missions. After three days, lunar dust 

contamination on Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suit bearings led to such great difficulty in movement that another EVA would not 

have been possible. Dust clinging to EVA suits was transported into the Lunar Module. During the return trip to Earth, when 

microgravity was reestablished, the dust became airborne and floated through the cabin. Crews inhaled the dust and it irritated their 

eyes. Some mechanical systems aboard the spacecraft were damaged due to dust contamination. Study results obtained by Robotic 

Martian missions indicate that Martian surface soil is oxidative and reactive. Exposures to the reactive Martian dust will pose an even 

greater concern to the crew health and the integrity of the mechanical systems. 

The Advanced Integration Matrix Dust Assessment Team was tasked to identify systems that will be affected by the respective dust, 

how they will be affected, associated risks of dust exposure, requirements that will need to be developed, identify knowledge gaps, 

and recommend scientific measurements to obtain information needed to develop requirements, and to design and manufacture the 

surface systems that will support crew habitation in the lunar and Martian outposts. 

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lunar soil, planetary surfaces, dust contaminants, planetary systems 30 

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