Stopka
© 2025 Faculty of Space Technologies (Spacetech)
AGH University of Krakow
AGH University of Krakow
Lunar dust is one of the greatest engineering challenges facing future exploration of the Moon. Whether it is astronauts, robotic rovers or scientific instruments, every system operating on the lunar surface must cope with fine, abrasive regolith particles that cling to almost every material.
These particles can reduce the performance of equipment, damage mechanical components, contaminate optical systems and even pose risks to astronaut health. Although the problem has been recognized since the Apollo missions, many questions about the behaviour of lunar dust remain unanswered.
The project coordinator is Msc. Filip Wylęgała.
The project aims to develop a novel method for precisely measuring the adhesion forces between lunar regolith simulants and materials commonly used in space technologies, including aluminium, titanium and Teflon.
Understanding how strongly lunar dust adheres to different surfaces is essential for designing spacecraft and equipment capable of operating reliably in the harsh lunar environment.
As part of the project, researchers will build a dedicated experimental platform capable of operating under vacuum conditions that closely resemble the environment on the Moon.
The system will gently bring regolith particles into contact with selected materials before measuring the force required to remove them. High-sensitivity force and resonance sensors will enable extremely precise measurements of dust adhesion, providing valuable data unavailable with existing testing methods.
The results of the project will help engineers develop more durable and dust-resistant technologies for future lunar exploration.
Improved knowledge of dust adhesion will support the design of landers, robotic systems, scientific instruments, optical devices and spacesuits that can operate more safely and efficiently on the lunar surface.
The knowledge generated by this project will contribute to future lunar exploration programmes, including long-term missions aimed at establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
Beyond its applications in space engineering, the project will also advance high-precision measurement techniques and provide valuable datasets for the international scientific community through open-access publications and research repositories.
Find out more: