Next Article in Journal
Layout Optimization of Hybrid Pseudolite Systems Based on an Incremental GDOP Model
Previous Article in Journal
Experimental Validation of a Working Fluid Versatile Supersonic Turbine for Micro Launchers
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
Aerospace
Volume 12
Issue 10
10.3390/aerospace12100888
aerospace-logo
Submit to this Journal Review for this Journal Propose a Special Issue
► Article Menu

Article Menu

share Share announcement Help format_quote Cite question_answer Discuss in SciProfiles
first_page
settings
Order Article Reprints
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Article

Defying Lunar Dust: A Revolutionary Helmet Design to Safeguard Astronauts’ Health in Long-Term Lunar Habitats

by
Christopher Salvino
1,2,
Kenneth Altshuler
1,
Paul Beatty
1,
Drew DeJarnette
1,
Jesse Ybanez
1,
Hazel Obana
1,
Edwin Osabel
1,
Andrew Dummer
1,
Eric Lutz
2,* and
Moe Momayez
2,*
1
Lunar Helium-3 Mining, LLC, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, USA
2
College of Engineering Mining & Geological Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Aerospace 2025, 12(10), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12100888
Submission received: 27 May 2025 / Revised: 10 September 2025 / Accepted: 10 September 2025 / Published: 30 September 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Astronautics & Space Science)
Versions Notes

Abstract

Lunar dust remains one of the most critical unresolved challenges to long-duration lunar missions. Its sharp, abrasive, and electrostatically charged particles are easily inhaled and can penetrate deep into the lungs, reaching the bloodstream and the brain. Despite airlocks and HEPA filtration systems, dust will inevitably infiltrate lunar habitats and threaten astronaut health. We present a novel patent protected helmet design. This system uses a multilayered, synergistic mitigation approach combining mechanical and electrostatic defenses. The mechanical system delivers HEPA-filtered, ionized air across the user’s face, while the electrostatic barrier repels charged particles away from the respiratory zone. These two systems work together to prevent dust from entering the user’s breathing space. Designed for use inside lunar habitats, this helmet represents a potential solution to an unaddressed, life-threatening problem. It allows astronauts to eat, talk, and sleep while maintaining a protected respiratory zone and provides targeted inhalation-level protection in an environment where dust exposure is otherwise unavoidable. This concept is presented at Technology Readiness Level 2 (TRL 2) to prompt early engagement and feedback from the scientific and engineering communities.
Keywords: lunar dust; lunar respiratory diseases; in haled dust lunar dust; lunar respiratory diseases; in haled dust

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Salvino, C.; Altshuler, K.; Beatty, P.; DeJarnette, D.; Ybanez, J.; Obana, H.; Osabel, E.; Dummer, A.; Lutz, E.; Momayez, M. Defying Lunar Dust: A Revolutionary Helmet Design to Safeguard Astronauts’ Health in Long-Term Lunar Habitats. Aerospace 2025, 12, 888. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12100888

AMA Style

Salvino C, Altshuler K, Beatty P, DeJarnette D, Ybanez J, Obana H, Osabel E, Dummer A, Lutz E, Momayez M. Defying Lunar Dust: A Revolutionary Helmet Design to Safeguard Astronauts’ Health in Long-Term Lunar Habitats. Aerospace. 2025; 12(10):888. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12100888

Chicago/Turabian Style

Salvino, Christopher, Kenneth Altshuler, Paul Beatty, Drew DeJarnette, Jesse Ybanez, Hazel Obana, Edwin Osabel, Andrew Dummer, Eric Lutz, and Moe Momayez. 2025. "Defying Lunar Dust: A Revolutionary Helmet Design to Safeguard Astronauts’ Health in Long-Term Lunar Habitats" Aerospace 12, no. 10: 888. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12100888

APA Style

Salvino, C., Altshuler, K., Beatty, P., DeJarnette, D., Ybanez, J., Obana, H., Osabel, E., Dummer, A., Lutz, E., & Momayez, M. (2025). Defying Lunar Dust: A Revolutionary Helmet Design to Safeguard Astronauts’ Health in Long-Term Lunar Habitats. Aerospace, 12(10), 888. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12100888

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop