Magnetic Mars dust-removal technology

Abstract

Environmental data recorded by the Mars exploration rovers show that the martian dust is magnetic containing mostly the strong magnetic mineral magnetite ( Fe3O4 ). On the other hand, it is known that dust settling onto the surface of solar arrays can affect the utility on solar power on any Mars mission, and particulary for long-term operation. Dust obscuration of solar arrays can be a special issue for the case of a future 6-month sample fetching rover (SFR) mission, where the current baseline architecture contemplates the use of solar array and where dust storms can jeopardize the entire mission, not only affecting the supply of energy for locomotion but for the communication with the Mars ascent vehicle (MAV). Today, available dust-removal techniques have been classified into four categories: natural, mechanical, electromechanical, and electrostatic. However, by aforementioned, an additional category may be included in this portfolio based in the magnetic properties of the martian dust. Here a first scoping study for a magnetic Mars dust technology is outlined. Finally, a specific ad hoc magnetic technology is proposed an analyzed