UCF Develops Nanocoatings to Protect Equipment on Lunar Missions

Researchers at the University of Central Florida are developing nanocoatings to mitigate damage caused by lunar dust, or regolith, on equipment and astronauts during extended missions. Funded by NASA through an ESI Program Award, the team is utilising physics, engineering and materials science to create surfaces that passively repel dust, minimising the need for potentially damaging active removal methods. The project, building on years of collaborative expertise, incorporates centrifugal force measurements, atomic force microscopy and computational modelling to understand dust-surface interactions at the nanoscale, to enable sustainable long-duration lunar exploration and support the Lunar-VISE mission scheduled for launch in 2027.

Lunar Dust Mitigation Strategies

Researchers at UCF are developing nanocoatings designed to address the abrasive effects of lunar dust, also known as regolith, on both equipment and astronauts during prolonged lunar missions. This research focuses on understanding the fundamental interactions between lunar dust and various surface properties, including structure, polarity, and electrical conductivity, within a simulated lunar environment achieved through vacuum chamber experiments. The objective is to identify surface characteristics that can passively repel dust, thereby minimising the necessity for active removal methods.

The research team is utilising centrifugal force to measure the adhesive forces between dust particles and surfaces, providing crucial data for the development of effective coatings. This work extends existing research into lunar dust physics, with a focus on practical applications for future lunar exploration endeavours. The team is also employing atomic force microscopy (AFM) to examine dust-surface interactions at the nanoscale, allowing for detailed analysis of coating effectiveness under simulated space conditions.

Computational models are being developed to simulate dust particle interactions and validate experimental findings, integrating simulations with experimental data to gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying physical phenomena governing dust behaviour. This integrated approach is intended to inform the design of effective passive mitigation techniques. The research prioritises passive dust mitigation strategies, such as utilising solar wind or radiation, to avoid potentially damaging active methods like wiping which could scratch sensitive equipment.

The project represents a collaborative effort, bringing together researchers with expertise in physics, engineering, and materials science, and is supported by a NASA ESI Program Award. This research builds upon years of discussion and expertise, and is considered a significant step towards enabling sustainable, long-duration lunar missions. Researcher Adrienne Dove holds a doctorate from the University of Colorado at Boulder and is a deputy principal investigator for the Lunar-VISE mission, scheduled for launch in 2027.

Investigating Dust-Surface Interactions

The research extends Professor Dove’s long-standing work on lunar dust physics, focusing on practical applications for future lunar exploration. Professor Laurene Tetard is employing atomic force microscopy (AFM) to examine dust-surface interactions at the nanoscale, allowing for detailed analysis of coating effectiveness under simulated space conditions and creating opportunities for student training in this interdisciplinary field.

Associate Professor Tarek Elgohary is developing computational models to simulate dust particle interactions and validate experimental findings, integrating simulations with experimental data to gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying physical phenomena governing dust behaviour. This integrated approach allows for a more informed design of effective passive mitigation techniques, prioritising strategies that rely on natural forces like solar wind or radiation.

The project builds upon years of collaborative discussion and expertise, bringing together researchers with complementary skills in physics, engineering, and materials science. Researcher credentials include doctoral degrees from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Texas A&M University, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Carnegie Mellon University, alongside awards such as the U.S. National Science Foundation CAREER award and a Scialog Fellowship.

Research Team and Methodology

The research team’s approach prioritises passive dust mitigation strategies, such as relying on solar wind or radiation, to avoid potentially damaging active methods like wiping, which could scratch sensitive equipment. The goal is to create surfaces where dust adheres weakly and can be easily removed by natural forces or minimal intervention.

Adrienne Dove holds a doctorate from the University of Colorado at Boulder and is a deputy principal investigator for the Lunar-VISE mission, slated to launch in 2027. Tarek Elgohary earned his doctorate from Texas A&M University and manages the Astrodynamics, Space and Robotics Laboratory at UCF. Laurene Tetard received her doctorate from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and is a U.S. National Science Foundation CAREER awardee. Zhai holds a doctorate from Carnegie Mellon University and is a Scialog Fellow at Research Corporation for Science Advancement.