Mitigation of lunar dust on solar panels and optical elements utilizing electrostatic traveling-wave

A system for removing lunar dust from the surface of solar panels and optical elements is of great importance for lunar exploration. We have developed a method of removing lunar dust using electrostatic traveling-waves generated by four-phase rectangular voltage applied to a transparent conveyer consisting of parallel ITO (indium tin oxide) electrodes printed on a glass substrate. On the basis of basic investigations, we have demonstrated the removal of actual lunar dust. A numerical investigation predicts that the performance will improve in the low-gravity environment on the Moon.

► We developed a method of removing lunar dust on solar panels and optical elements using electrostatic traveling-waves. ► High performance was realized in vacuum environment by the application of ultrasonic vibration. ► Both positively and negatively charged dust particles could be cleaned without changing the configuration of the system. ► The removal of actual lunar dust was demonstrated. ► A numerical investigation predicts that the performance will improve in the low-gravity environment on the Moon.