Dust on the Moon and Mars

The pervasiveness of dust on the Moon and Mars will challenge many technologies on future exploration missions. There is overwhelming evidence that dust on the Moon and Mars are electrostatically and magnetically charged rendering it to readily attractive and strongly adhering to most materials and surfaces. Dust particles may compromise seals, degrade the performance of bearing and moving parts, and contaminate life support systems. The role of dust particles, its properties, generation and dynamics in these environments, and their impact particularly on EVA systems and ECLSS is addressed. Future exploration technologies will need to adapt mitigation schemes for long life missions.