Taming Lunar Dust: Advanced Regolith Characterization and Material Performance Analysis for In-Situ Launch and Landing Pad Construction

Leveraging dynamic imaging analysis, vacuum tribology, regolith-particle scratch testing, and indentation analysis to enable regolith-thermoset polymer composite infrastructure for sustainable lunar operations

Lunar regolith is a uniquely challenging material due to its broad particle size distribution, angular morphology, and highly abrasive nature. The first part of this webinar focuses on the characterization of lunar regolith simulant materials using dynamic imaging analysis to quantify particle size, distribution, and morphology. Understanding these characteristics is essential for accurately predicting the interaction of regolith with engineering materials, evaluating wear mechanisms, and determining the suitability of regolith as a feedstock for construction and manufacturing applications on the lunar surface.

The second part introduces a concept for in-situ fabrication of launch and landing pads using regolith–thermoset polymer composite materials. Through compounding and extrusion-based processing technologies, locally available regolith can be transformed into durable structural elements, reducing dust mobilization during landing and launch operations while supporting the development of sustainable lunar settlements and infrastructure.

The final section presents advanced failure analysis methodologies for evaluating material performance under lunar conditions. Tribological testing in a vacuum chamber, scratch testing using actual regolith particles as the contact tip, and an outlook on indentation-based mechanical characterization provide insights into wear resistance, coating durability, and structural integrity. These approaches support the qualification of materials for lunar infrastructure, surface vehicles, and future extravehicular systems operating in one of the harshest environments encountered in space exploration.

Key takeaways:

• Understand how particle size distribution and morphology are both critical for developing effective lunar simulant materials 
• Learn how parallel twin-screw extrusion can be used to compound lunar regolith with thermoset epoxy systems to create scalable construction materials for lunar surface infrastructure
• Evaluate how tribological, scratch, and indentation testing can be combined to predict the durability and failure mechanisms of materials exposed to lunar regolith