STAGED EXCAVATION FOR DUST PREVENTION IN LUNAR REGOLITH: DESIGN AND PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Introduction: Dust generation during lunar regolith excavation presents a major challenge for sustained surface operations, with implications for mechanical wear, optical degradation, thermal control, and crew safety. Most current excavation approaches address dust through mitigation techniques applied after particle liberation. In this work, we investigate an alternative strategy focused on dust prevention by design, using a staged excavation architecture intended to limit particle release at the source during material interaction.

System Design: We present the design of a dual-stage excavation and containment subsystem developed as the core functional element of a small-scale experimental platform. The architecture integrates material engagement, controlled internal transport, and temporary storage within a single enclosed cylindrical volume. This configuration is intended to minimize exposure of disturbed regolith to the surrounding environment during insertion and excavation, thereby reducing opportunities for particle entrainment and dispersion.

Experimental Methods: Preliminary experimental testing was conducted in open-air conditions using LMS-1E lunar regolith simulant. The excavation subsystem was mounted on a fixed test jig to isolate excavation behavior from vehicle dynamics, vibration, and wheel–terrain interactions. Dust dispersion was evaluated using gravity-collected particles captured on adhesive sampling pads placed at fixed locations around the excavation zone. Following each test, sampling pads were photographed and weighed to estimate relative dust deposition patterns. Ambient humidity was not controlled during testing.

Results and Discussion: Observations indicate reduced visible dust during both insertion and excavation phases, with dust deposition patterns suggesting localized particle release and limited spatial dispersion. Collected particles on sampling pads were concentrated near the excavation interface, consistent with the staged excavation hypothesis. While the results are preliminary and qualitative, they support the potential of staged excavation architecture as a viable approach for reducing dust generation during lunar regolith operations.