Abstract
In efforts to support the Artemis mission which seeks to return to the lunar surface, this research seeks to tackle one of the biggest issues faced on the lunar surface. Lunar soil is a hazardous threat to both spacesuit functionality and astronaut health. Due to characteristics such as being electrostatically charged, jagged edged and extremely fine in composition (> 10 microns). For the past three years the research focus has been experimenting with previously established electrostatic cleaning systems that were not able to achieve 100% cleaning efficiency. Removing soil particles smaller than 10 microns became a main concern as they were the most difficult to remove. Previous iterations were able to achieve up to 98% cleaning efficiency and building upon this success the research developed new methods of transmitting an electrostatic field by using thin films which are more beneficial to spacesuit fabric. The system during certain test pushed the limits by achieving a cleaning efficiency of 99.5%. This study discusses the process of using systems engineering to successfully take the system from inception to completion. This process illustrates the project progress during major reviews such as System requirements review, preliminary design review and critical design review. Also, the schedule and budget concept of operations and system hierarchy is discussed as it progressed throughout the project. Various trade studies, reliability and safety of the project is also examined in this study. The system is finally built and tested to display its feasibility and efficiency to match that which was envisioned during the inception of the project.
