Electrodynamic Dust Shields
Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS) System
Electrodynamic dust shield systems use multi-phase electrode arrays to generate traveling electric field waves that actively remove accumulated regolith from transparent and opaque surfaces. Utilizing the natural electrostatic charge imparted on lunar dust by solar ultraviolet radiation and the plasma environment, the traveling field repels and transports particles off critical components without mechanical contact. Implementation is constrained by the abrasive, highly adhesive nature of lunar regolith, requiring electrode patterns tailored specifically to grain sizes between 1 and 100 microns. Furthermore, electrodes must resist long-term physical abrasion and ultraviolet degradation while relying on low duty-cycle operation to conserve limited power during the lunar night.
Active dust removal using traveling electric fields on transparent and opaque surfaces (TRL 8)
Purpose
Remove accumulated lunar dust from critical surfaces using electrodynamic traveling waves
Context
Component of L1-DST within the Lunar Ark system
Principles
- ▸Traveling electric field wave repels charged dust particles from protected surfaces
- ▸Multi-phase electrode pattern creates sweeping electrostatic force across surface
- ▸Lunar dust is naturally electrostatically charged by solar UV and plasma environment
- ▸Low duty-cycle operation conserves power while maintaining surface cleanliness
Typical implementations
- ▸NASA Kennedy Space Center EDS technology (TRL 4-5 for lunar applications)
- ▸University of Arkansas transparent EDS for solar panel protection
- ▸Electrostatic precipitator technology adapted for dust removal
- ▸JAXA electrostatic cleaning system concepts for lunar exploration
Lunar considerations
- ▸Lunar regolith is highly abrasive and electrostatically adhesive
- ▸EDS electrodes degrade from dust abrasion and UV exposure over time
- ▸Electrode patterns must be tailored to local dust grain size distribution (1-100 micron)
- ▸Power consumption must be minimized for operation during lunar night
Specifications
Functional
| primary function | Remove accumulated lunar dust from critical surfaces using electrodynamic traveling waves |
Operational
| thermal range c | -173, 127 |
| lifetime years | 100 |
Interfaces
Provides
- Dust removal from solar arrays to maintain efficiency
- Dust removal from thermal radiator surfaces
Requires
- High-voltage drive power for EDS electrodes (~10-50W per panel)
- Control commands and dust accumulation sensor feedback
Decomposes into
Cite this entry
Lunar Ark Codex. "Electrodynamic Dust Shields" (L2-DST-EDS). Retrieved 10 September 2026, from https://lunarark.com/entry/L2-DST-EDS
Licensed CC-BY-SA 4.0. You may reuse and adapt this entry with attribution, under the same licence.