Scientists from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a new dust measurement device that could significantly enhance the safety of spacecraft landings on the Moon and Mars. The device, named RILE, utilizes radar technology to generate millimeter waves and measure the time it takes for them to reflect off dust clouds, allowing for an accurate assessment of dust density. This instrument can be mounted on a spacecraft and activated during descent, collecting data on dust conditions even before landing.
This is particularly crucial for lunar landings, where lifted dust poses a serious threat to equipment operation and visibility. Issues with lunar dust were noted during the Apollo missions, as it complicated visibility and contaminated spacesuits.
Dust also plays a vital role in shaping weather conditions on Mars. Recent studies conducted by the Mars 2020 mission team have for the first time captured and measured dust storms using the Ingenuity rover. The new device has already been successfully tested in conditions simulating the space environment and could become an essential tool for future crewed missions.