The Lotus coating for space exploration: a dust mitigation tool

Abstract

The dust mitigation coating is a new technology that is currently being developed and tested, at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), as a countermeasure for addressing dust accumulation issues for long-duration human space exploration. This coating sheds dust particles utilizing anti-contamination and self-cleaning properties that minimize dust accumulation on spacecraft surfaces. Shedding of dust particles is accomplished by reducing the surface energy and the amount of surface available for attachment. The Lotus coating is designed to preserve optimal long-term performance of critical spacecraft surfaces and systems, while minimizing and/or eliminating dust accumulation. NASA is exceedingly interested in simplistic and innovative ways to mitigate dust accumulation while minimizing the impact to spacecraft mass and power requirements. Preliminary research and development indicates that the Lotus Coating has the potential to be a viable passive tool for mitigating dust on: radiator surfaces, solar array panels, habitation airlock walls, mechanism shields, astronaut EVA suits, and astronaut visors exterior coating.