Christine Hartzell
University of Maryland, College Park
LuSTR23 Overview Chart Hartzell.pdf
The project will develop a novel technology, gecko roller, to remove lunar dust from spacesuits and hard surfaces (such as solar panels). The technology works the same way as a common terrestrial lint roller, but with an elastomeric gecko-skin-inspired membrane replacing the adhesive sheet. The effort will also develop an appliance to clean the gecko roller after use. The technology can be used by an astronaut by hand or it can be integrated into a cleaning robot.