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By NASA
2 Min Read Advanced Modeling Enhances Gateway’s Lunar Dust Defense
A sample holder in a vacuum chamber spins during a lunar dust adhesion test at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Credits: NASA/Josh Litofsky NASA’s Artemis campaign aims to return humans to the Moon, develop a sustainable presence there, and lay the groundwork for the first crewed missions to Mars. As the agency prepares for longer stays on and around the Moon, engineers are working diligently to understand the complex behavior of lunar dust, the sharp, jagged particles that can cling to spacesuits and jam equipment.
Lunar dust has posed a problem since astronauts first encountered it during the Apollo missions. Ahead of more frequent and intense contact with dust, NASA is developing new strategies to protect equipment as astronauts travel between the Moon and spacecraft like Gateway, humanity’s first lunar space station.
Josh Litofsky, systems engineer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, scoops material designed to behave like lunar dust to test how it adheres to Gateway materials. NASA/Bill Stafford Unlike Apollo-era spacecraft that faced lunar dust exposure just once, Gateway will encounter it each time a Human Landing System spacecraft returns to the space station from the lunar South Pole region. Dust could enter Gateway’s environment, risking damage to science instruments, solar arrays, robotic systems, and other important hardware.
Josh Litofsky is the principal investigator and project manager leading a Gateway lunar dust adhesion testing campaign at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. His team tracks how the dust interacts with materials used to build Gateway.
An artist’s rendering of the Gateway lunar space station in polar orbit around the Moon. NASA/Alberto Bertolin “The particles are jagged from millions of years of micrometeoroid impacts, sticky due to chemical and electrical forces, and extremely small,” Litofsky said. “Even small amounts of lunar dust can have a big impact on equipment and systems.”
Litofksy’s work seeks to validate the Gateway On-orbit Lunar Dust Modeling and Analysis Program (GOLDMAP), developed by Ronald Lee, also of Johnson Space Center. By considering factors such as the design and configuration of the space station, the materials used, and the unique conditions in lunar orbit, GOLDMAP helps predict how dust may move and settle on Gateway’s external surfaces.
Josh Litofsky, systems engineer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, places a sample holder inside a vacuum chamber to test how lunar dust sticks to Gateway materials. NASA/Bill StaffordNASA/Bill Stafford Early GOLDMAP simulations have shown that lunar dust can form clouds around Gateway, with larger particles sticking to surfaces.
The data from these tests and simulations will help NASA safeguard Gateway, to ensure the space station’s longevity during the next era of lunar exploration.
The lessons learned managing lunar dust and other harsh conditions through Gateway and Artemis will prepare NASA and its international partners for missions deeper into the cosmos
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Last Updated Jan 22, 2025 ContactLaura RochonLocationJohnson Space Center Related Terms
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4 min read NASA Technology Helps Guard Against Lunar Dust
Article 10 months ago 3 min read NASA Science Payload to Study Sticky Lunar Dust Challenge
Article 1 month ago 3 min read Measuring Moon Dust to Fight Air Pollution
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Space Launch System (SLS)
Orion Spacecraft
Gateway
International teams of astronauts will explore the scientific mysteries of deep space with Gateway, humanity’s first space station around the…
Human Landing System
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By NASA
The Space Shuttle Columbia and Space Shuttle Challenger Memorials are seen after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA’s Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. (Credit: NASA) NASA will observe its annual Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 23, honoring the members of the NASA family who lost their lives in the pursuit of exploration and discovery for benefit of humanity. The event, traditionally held every year on the fourth Thursday of January, remembers the crews of Apollo 1 and the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia.
“On NASA’s Day of Remembrance, we pause to reflect on the bravery, dedication, and selflessness of the extraordinary individuals who pushed the boundaries of exploration and discovery,” said NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free. “Their legacies remind us of the profound responsibility we have to carry their dreams forward while ensuring safety remains our guiding principle.”
Free will lead an observance at 1 p.m. EST at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, which will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by observances for the Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia crews.
Several agency centers also will hold observances for NASA Day of Remembrance:
Johnson Space Center in Houston
NASA Johnson will hold a commemoration at 10 a.m. CST at the Astronaut Memorial Grove with remarks by Center Director Vanessa Wyche. The event will have a moment of silence, a NASA T-38 flyover, taps performed by the Texas A&M Squadron 17, and a procession placing flowers at Apollo I, Challenger, and Columbia memorial trees.
Kennedy Space Center in Florida
NASA Kennedy and the Astronauts Memorial Foundation will host a ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial at Kennedy’s Visitor Complex at 10 a.m. EST. The event will include remarks from Tal Ramon, son of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon, space shuttle Columbia.
Kelvin Manning, deputy director at NASA Kennedy, also will provide remarks during the ceremony, which will livestream on the center’s Facebook page.
Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley
NASA Ames will hold a remembrance ceremony at 1 p.m. PST that includes remarks from Center Director Eugene Tu, a moment of silence, and bell ringing commemoration.
Glenn Research Center in Cleveland
NASA Glenn will observe Day of Remembrance with remarks at 1 p.m. EST from Center Director Jimmy Kenyon followed by wreath placement, moment of silence, and taps at Lewis Field.
Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia
NASA Langley will hold a remembrance ceremony with Acting Center Director Dawn Schaible followed by placing flags at the Langley Workers Memorial.
Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama
NASA Marshall will hold a candle-lighting ceremony and wreath placement at 9:30 a.m. CST. The ceremony will include remarks from Larry Leopard, associate director, and Bill Hill, director of Marshall’s Office of Safety and Mission Assurance.
Stennis Space Flight Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
NASA Stennis and the NASA Shared Services Center will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at 9 a.m. CST with remarks from Center Director John Bailey and Anita Harrell, NASA Shared Services Center executive director.
The agency also is paying tribute to its fallen astronauts with special online content, updated on NASA’s Day of Remembrance, at:
https://www.nasa.gov/dor
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Abbey Donaldson
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
Abbey.a.donaldson@nasa.gov
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Last Updated Jan 16, 2025 LocationNASA Headquarters View the full article
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By NASA
1 min read
Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)
Artist concept highlighting the novel approach proposed by the 2025 NIAC awarded selection of LEAP – Legged Exploration Across the Plume.NASA/Justin Yim Justin Yim
University of Illinois
We propose Legged Exploration Across the Plume (LEAP), based on the Salto jumping robot as a novel multi-jet robotic sampling concept for Enceladus to be deployed from Enceladus Orbilander. If successful, LEAP will enable collection of pristine, ocean-derived material directly from Enceladus’s jets and measurement of particle properties across multiple jets by traveling from one to another. In low gravity, existing jump performance would be sufficient to leap 90 m vertically or 170 m horizontally in Enceladus’s gravity allowing traversal of jets and collection of direct measurements otherwise not accessible to Orbilander. These measurements could be crucial for investigating the physics of how the plume is connected to the ocean.
2025 Selections
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Last Updated Jan 10, 2025 EditorLoura Hall Related Terms
NIAC Studies NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program Keep Exploring Discover More NIAC Topics
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By NASA
2 min read
Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)
Artist concept highlighting the novel approach proposed by the 2025 NIAC awarded selection of the Fusion-Enabled Comprehensive Exploration of the Heliosphere conceptNASA/Ryan Weed Ryan Weed
Helicity Space LLC
This proposal aims to revolutionize space exploration by developing a constellation of spacecraft powered by the Helicity Drive, a compact and scalable fusion propulsion system. This innovative technology will enable rapid, multi-directional exploration of the heliosphere and beyond, providing unprecedented insights into the Sun’s vast influence on our solar system and its interaction with interstellar space. We will conduct a comprehensive feasibility study, including advanced modeling and experimental validation of the Helicity Drive’s thrust and power generation capabilities. We will also design a realistic spacecraft architecture that integrates the propulsion system with scientific instruments capable of measuring key properties of the heliosphere and interstellar medium. Each spacecraft will carry a suite of state-of-the-art scientific instruments to comprehensively measure plasma properties, magnetic fields, dust, and energetic particles, providing in-situ data from regions never before explored. This will address critical scientific questions, such as the true shape of the heliosphere and heliopause, the origin of anomalous cosmic rays, and the mechanisms driving turbulence in the heliospheric tail. Finally, we will develop a mission concept of operations that leverages the Helicity Drive’s variable specific impulse and high delta-V capability to speed-up and slow-down in order to capture key scientific data in different heliosphere regions, and the local interstellar medium along 6 different trajectories, maximizing scientific return. The successful implementation of this mission will not only revolutionize our understanding of the heliosphere and its implications for space radiation and habitability but also pave the way for future interstellar missions. By demonstrating the feasibility of fusion propulsion for deep-space exploration, including outer solar system probes and crewed missions to Mars, it will open new frontiers for scientific discovery and inspire future generations. The technological advancements and potential spinoffs resulting from this mission will also contribute significantly to the national economy.
2025 Selections
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Last Updated Jan 10, 2025 EditorLoura Hall Related Terms
NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program NIAC Studies Keep Exploring Discover More NIAC Topics
Space Technology Mission Directorate
NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts
NIAC Funded Studies
About NIAC
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By NASA
NASA’s 2024 AI Use Case inventory highlights the agency’s commitment to integrating artificial intelligence in its space missions and operations. The agency’s updated inventory consists of active AI use cases, ranging from AI-driven autonomous space operations, such as navigation for the Perseverance Rover on Mars, to advanced data analysis for scientific discovery.
AI Across NASA
NASA’s use of AI is diverse and spans several key areas of its missions:
Autonomous Exploration and Navigation
AEGIS (Autonomous Exploration for Gathering Increased Science): AI-powered system designed to autonomously collect scientific data during planetary exploration. Enhanced AutoNav for Perseverance Rover: Utilizes advanced autonomous navigation for Mars exploration, enabling real-time decision-making. MLNav (Machine Learning Navigation): AI-driven navigation tools to enhance movement across challenging terrains. Perseverance Rover on Mars – Terrain Relative Navigation: AI technology supporting the rover’s navigation across Mars, improving accuracy in unfamiliar terrain. Mission Planning and Management
ASPEN Mission Planner: AI-assisted tool that helps streamline space mission planning and scheduling, optimizing mission efficiency. AWARE (Autonomous Waiting Room Evaluation): AI system that manages operational delays, improving mission scheduling and resource allocation. CLASP (Coverage Planning & Scheduling): AI tools for resource allocation and scheduling, ensuring mission activities are executed seamlessly. Onboard Planner for Mars2020 Rover: AI system that helps the Perseverance Rover autonomously plan and schedule its tasks during its mission. Environmental Monitoring and Analysis
SensorWeb for Environmental Monitoring: AI-powered system used to monitor environmental factors such as volcanoes, floods, and wildfires on Earth and beyond. Volcano SensorWeb: Similar to SensorWeb, but specifically focused on volcanic activity, leveraging AI to enhance monitoring efforts. Global, Seasonal Mars Frost Maps: AI-generated maps to study seasonal variations in Mars’ atmosphere and surface conditions. Data Management and Automation
NASA OCIO STI Concept Tagging Service: AI tools that organize and tag NASA’s scientific data, making it easier to access and analyze. Purchase Card Management System (PCMS): AI-assisted system for streamlining NASA’s procurement processes and improving financial operations. Aerospace and Air Traffic Control
NextGen Methods for Air Traffic Control: AI tools to optimize air traffic control systems, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs. NextGen Data Analytics: Letters of Agreement: AI-driven analysis of agreements within air traffic control systems, improving management and operational decision-making. Space Exploration
Mars2020 Rover (Perseverance): AI systems embedded within the Perseverance Rover to support its mission to explore Mars. SPOC (Soil Property and Object Classification): AI-based classification system used to analyze soil and environmental features, particularly for Mars exploration. Ethical AI: NASA’s Responsible Approach
NASA ensures that all AI applications adhere to Responsible AI (RAI) principles outlined by the White House in its Executive Order 13960. This includes ensuring AI systems are transparent, accountable, and ethical. The agency integrates these principles into every phase of development and deployment, ensuring AI technologies used in space exploration are both safe and effective.
Looking Forward: AI’s Expanding Role
As AI technologies evolve, NASA’s portfolio of AI use cases will continue to grow. With cutting-edge tools currently in development, the agency is poised to further integrate AI into more aspects of space exploration, from deep space missions to sustainable solutions for planetary exploration.
By maintaining a strong commitment to both technological innovation and ethical responsibility, NASA is not only advancing space exploration but also setting an industry standard for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in scientific and space-related endeavors.
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