Application of Electrostatic Force on Moon, Mars and Asteroids

Abstract

　Because mitigation, sampling, and utilization technologies of regolith are critically important for lunar, Mars, and asteroid explorations, we are conducting the following research and development; (1) electrostatic cleaning of dust on optical elements, (2) electrostatic and magnetic cleaners for dust adhering to spacesuits, (3) electrostatic shield for dust entering into mechanical seals of equipment, (4) transport of regolith based on electrostatic traveling-wave and me-chanical vibration, (5) electrostatic particle-size classification, (6) electrostatic and magnetic sampling of regolith, (7) electrostatic precipitation in the Martian environment, and (8) electrostatic manipulation of a small particle.