Mars Dust Less Abrasive Than Lunar Dust
A new study analyzing spacesuit samples from NASA's Mars rover Perseverance suggests Martian dust particles are smoother and less likely to scratch equipment or irritate human lungs, with little visible wear after 1,645 Martian days
NASA's Mars rover Perseverance has been wearing small swatches of spacesuit material to assess the potential damage caused by Martian dust. The spacesuit swatches, each less than a square inch in size, showed little visible wear after 1,645 Martian days.
The study, led by Scott VanBommel, a research assistant professor of earth, environmental and planetary sciences at WashU Arts & Sciences, was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. VanBommel and his team found that Martian dust particles are smoother than lunar dust particles, which are jagged and more likely to scratch equipment or irritate human lungs.
Some Martian dust particles are as small as 100 nanometers across, posing a health threat because they can be inhaled and cause harm. However, the study suggests that Martian dust may not be as abrasive or irritating as its lunar counterpart.
## Why it matters The findings of this study are crucial for planners of future Mars missions. On the Apollo missions, lunar dust scratched visors and degraded spacesuits, causing hay fever-like symptoms in some astronauts. The fact that Martian dust may be less abrasive than lunar dust is an encouraging finding for future visitors to the planet. As astronauts prepare to travel to Mars, understanding the properties of Martian dust is essential to ensure their safety and the success of their missions.
The study's results also highlight the importance of continued research into the properties of Martian dust and its potential effects on both equipment and human health. As NASA and other space agencies plan for future missions to Mars, this research will play a critical role in informing their decisions and ensuring the safety of astronauts.
