NASA is preparing astronauts for Mars’ dusty hazards
NASA is establishing new exposure limits for Martian dust as it prepares for future human missions to the red planet. Drawing on lessons from Apollo-era lunar dust, the agency is developing technologies like 'suitports' to prevent abrasive dust from entering habitats.
Why it matters
Addresses critical safety and health challenges for the long-term viability of human space exploration.
self portrait from NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity By Tony Rice, NASA Anbassador
One of the most memorable scenes in The Martian (2015) comes just minutes into the film, when a violent dust storm forces NASA astronauts to abandon their though to be lost crewmate. While author Andy Weir has noted that Mars’ thin atmosphere couldn’t produce that kind of force his creative license got one thing very right: Mars is an extraordinarily dusty world.
That dust is expected to be among the biggest hazards for astronauts, prompting NASA to establish its first recommended exposure limits for airborne Martian dust as the agency prepares for future human missions to the red planet.
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