Discussion paper on environmental hazards on the Moon, in low Earth orbit, and in low Mars orbit

Details Discussion paper on environmental hazards on the Moon, in low Earth orbit, and in low Mars orbit Discussion paper on environmental hazards on the Moon, in low Earth orbit, and in low Mars orbit

Sep 1990

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1990stin...9111646h&link_type=abstract

Unknown

Other

Hazards, Lunar Bases, Lunar Dust, Lunar Environment, Mars (Planet), Mars Environment, Moon, Chemical Reactions, Earth (Planet), Earth Atmosphere, Earth Orbits, Mars Atmosphere, Meteorites, Spacecraft Construction Materials, Visual Perception

Scientific paper

In a lunar base era, potential problems with dust will be serious. Lunar soils, which make up most of the regolith that covers the Moon's surface, are similar to silty sands on Earth, with mean grain sizes of 45 to 100 microns. Lunar dust has very low electrical conductivity and dielectric losses, permitting accumulation of electric charge under ultraviolet irradiation. Dust coatings cover thermally-sensitive surfaces, windows and visors, clog moving parts, and create continual abrasion hazards. Reduced gravity on the Moon favors the stability of aerosolized lunar soil and thereby will prolong its availability for inhalation if it is not removed from habitat atmosphere by filtration systems. Some other hazards must be considered. On the lunar surface it is difficult to judge topographic details and distances. New materials are needed to protect astronauts and equipment at a lunar base from micrometeoroid impacts. Spacecraft in low orbits around Earth and Mars experience strong chemical interactions where O2 and CO2 are photodissociated by sunlight. A ground-based facility at Los Alamos can be used to test these chemical interactions with materials proposed for use in spacecraft and satellites. Another component of the space exploration initiative is the environmental effects posed by man on the tenuous lunar and Martian atmospheres. Before significant development occurs on these planets, these atmospheres must be measured. Orbiting sensors designed to measure these atmospheres can also be used to search for water.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Discussion paper on environmental hazards on the Moon, in low Earth orbit, and in low Mars orbit does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Discussion paper on environmental hazards on the Moon, in low Earth orbit, and in low Mars orbit, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Discussion paper on environmental hazards on the Moon, in low Earth orbit, and in low Mars orbit will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1558069