Effects of Dust Contamination on NDX-1 Planetary Spacesuit Material during Simulated EVAs

Hazards to spacesuits from planetary dust are key challenges that need to be addressed for successful future missions to Moon and Mars. Observations from the Apollo missions have shown that lunar dust led to substantial and rapid suit degradation during lunar operations. As such, NASA has identified dust mitigation as one of its top priorities before sending humans back to the lunar surface or to Mars for extended stays. We report on the effect of dust contamination on the outer layer materials used in the NDX-1 (North Dakota experimental-1) spacesuit demonstrator, built by the Department of Space Studies at the University of North Dakota. Two tests were conducted at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) to investigate and improve the capability of the spacesuit materials to withstand dust abrasion and penetration for Mars analog studies. Kneepads made of the NDX-1 suit materials were worn during several simulated Extra-Vehicular Activities at MDRS. The first test was conducted to examine material capability, while the second test included improvements based on lessons from the first test. Samples were analyzed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and Optical microscopy to determine the degree of wear on the outer layer materials and the corresponding dust permeation encountered in the subsequent layers. This paper compares the results from both tests and offers lessons learned.