The design and operation of a lunar dust seal testing system

Depending on your perspective, the need to accommodate shaft seals to mitigate lunar dust hazards is either an interesting mechanical engineering problem or a highly critical technology not yet proven. Due to the unique environment and the inability to test ¿true¿ solutions on Earth, the authors consider the solutions to critical seal design and testing as an `unproven´ technology hurdle that can result in years of delay and significant cost risk. Apollo attempted to mitigate dust effect...and did not succeed. Working with University of Arizona students, Paragon has specified, design and initially tested a ¿lunar dust seals test apparatus¿ that allows for the testing of multiple seals under simulated vacuum conditions using lunar dust simulant. This apparatus is being used to test sealing solution innovations conceived by Paragon engineers. However, it is true that NO testing apparatus on Earth can test seals in a true ¿lunar¿ environment and, ultimately, testing will need to be done.