Safety considerations for SPIcDER: Spacesuit integrated carbon nanotube dust ejection/removal system

Abstract This paper presents a multi-tier safe implementation of the S pacesuit I ntegrated C arbon Nanotube D ust E jection/ R emoval (SPIcDER) system. SPIcDER mitigates dust contamination of spacesuits and flexible surfaces during surface exploration of Moon and Mars. SPIcDER has Carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers embedded within the spacesuit outerlayer. These are energized using high voltage, low power, Alternating Current (AC) signals (∼350–1000 V). Laboratory experiments show the time-varying electric fields produced by SPIcDER repel the dust. This system mitigates astronaut exposures to lunar dust, and protects spacesuits and flexible surfaces from dust abrasion, wear and tear, and reduction in thermal performance. The adherence of lunar dust, and its entry into the habitable volume of habitats/landers, which was a major problem during Apollo missions, is also minimized. In this study, we review the primary health and safety aspects of SPIcDER for astronauts operating in these spacesuits. Simulation using ANSYS Maxwell® and preliminary experimental investigations were performed to conduct safety analysis and provide recommendations for implementation of SPIcDER for lunar mission operations.