Review of Lunar Dust Mitigation for Lunar Water Ice Detection

Lunar dust has always been a major problem hindering human exploration of the moon. The sharp, fine and electrostatic characteristics of lunar dust particles can cause great harm to all kinds of mechanical structures, sealing structures, functional surfaces, space instrument loads and even astronauts. This paper summarizes the research progress of the lunar dust mitigation technology, including the whole process of the lunar dust protection strategy; Active mitigation technology represented by electromagnetic method, such as electric curtain, electrostatic field, plasma beam, electric spray and magnetic roller dust removal technology; Passive mitigation technologies mainly include surface modification technology, such as low surface energy to weaken van der Waals force, high roughness nanoscale coating and work function matching coating to weaken electrostatic force, etc. Focusing on the lunar dust mitigation of the water ice detection program of China's lunar exploration project, this paper summarizes the filter and seal dustproof means used in mining, heating and analysis. Spiral groove and clearance seal are used for drilling bit. The heating and analysis vessels are sealed with metal knife edge and O-ring auxiliary seal. A sintered metal filter, a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) and a multistage lunar air filter with a permanent-magnet system (LAF-PMS) are arranged in front of the analytical instrument. A double-layer O-ring seal is arranged at the connecting pipe.Set labyrinth seal and HEPA at external outlet. At last, a scheme design of lunar dust mitigation for lunar water ice detector is given.