Discussion paper on environmental hazards on the Moon, in low Earth orbit, and in low Mars orbit
- comp.
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--100 {mu}m. 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 of the other hazards that must be considered include: Perception; on the lunar surface it is difficult to judge topographic details and distances, and Micrometeoroid impact; new materials are needed to protect astronauts and equipment at a lunar base. Spacecraft in low orbits around Earth and Mars experience strong chemical interactions where O{sub 2} and CO{sub 2} 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.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/MA
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 6576530
- Report Number(s):
- LA-11882-MS; ON: DE90017854
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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