In my previous articles, “Lunar Orbital Congestion Is Gonna Be A Thing” and “Lunar Orbital Congestion II: Economic and Strategic Drivers,” I proposed that orbital congestion and debris would become a challenge around the Moon sooner than anticipated. To summarize, there is a growing interest in lunar development, the cost of reaching the Moon is decreasing, and certain factors related to the Earth-Moon system and lunar gravitational anomalies make a few select orbits highly valuable real estate that will be quickly claimed by smart competitors who seize the first-mover advantage. Additionally, tracking assets around the Moon is more challenging than tracking objects in Earth’s satellite and space debris collection. The exact number of objects currently orbiting the Moon remains unknown. For example, India’s Chandrayaan-1 was lost in 2009 and only located in lunar orbit eight years later using Earth-based radar technology.
However, the threat to the lunar orbital environment isn’t limited to the increasing number of active or derelict satellites. According to Newton’s laws of motion, rocket engines used to propel spacecraft upward exert an equal force in the opposite direction, causing dirt, rocks, and other debris to be ejected from below the thruster and spread across the surrounding terrain when directed at an unreinforced surface. This ejected material is known as “surface ejecta.” SpaceX recently demonstrated this phenomenon during the launch of their Super Heavy Booster in Boca Chica, Texas, where the rocket carved a crater in the ground and debris chunks were observed hitting vehicles and covering nearby structures. Although there are no plans to launch such a large rocket on the Moon, it is essential to consider this issue when operating on the lunar surface.
The lunar environment differs significantly from Earth, particularly in terms of its loose and mobile “soil” or regolith. Apollo astronauts described the lunar regolith as easily disturbed and compared it to talcum powder. Due to the Moon’s low gravity and lack of weathering processes, lunar regolith is fluffy. Apollo astronauts even observed natural “lunar dust fountains” generated by electrostatic forces, spraying high above the lunar surface. Unlike on Earth, where wind resistance quickly decelerates fine particles, the lower gravity and absence of atmosphere on the Moon enable even powdery material to travel long distances. As evidenced by the Apollo lunar landing sites, the engines of the landers created large circles and fan-like patterns of debris around them. Understanding the movement of this material on the lunar surface is crucial for determining operating areas and exclusion zones for future lunar activities. Even landing near a habitat multiple times could pose challenges, and high-speed rocks could be extremely hazardous due to their ability to abrade sensitive surfaces.
Moreover, lunar surface ejecta has the potential to be accelerated off the Moon and into cislunar space. With only 1/6th of Earth’s surface gravity, the Moon’s escape velocity is significantly lower than Earth’s. Therefore, any object on the Moon attaining enough speed can escape its gravity and enter space. According to a recent paper by Dr. Phil Metzger from the University of Central Florida and James G. Mantovani from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, particles ejected at shallow angles under rocket plumes may end up in space above the Moon. This dust poses a threat to satellite constellations in low lunar orbit, causing significant degradation over time, especially for optics and solar panels. Lunar surface imaging satellites would be particularly vulnerable. However, the Moon’s lumpy gravitational field, created by mass concentrations or mascons, ensures that most low lunar orbit orbits are unstable, and material tends to fall back to the surface within a few weeks. Therefore, it is unlikely that significant surface ejecta would clog the stable orbits, although it is cross-inclined material that poses a challenge to spacecraft. Even if low lunar orbit is cleared by the mascons, dust may still find its way into cislunar space and accumulate over time, potentially affecting strategic locations such as the Lagrange points at Earth-Moon L1 and L2.
In conclusion, it is important to address the challenges posed by orbital congestion, debris, and surface ejecta when considering lunar development. Understanding the movement of material on the lunar surface, its impact on spacecraft and equipment, and the potential for dust accumulation in cislunar space is crucial for successful and sustainable lunar missions.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
