Tribological Challenges of a Return to the Moon Special Report

 

Published October 2025

The challenges associated with NASA’s goal of returning to the Moon and eventually establishing a sustained lunar presence revolve largely around the extreme tribological environment of the Moon. Factors such as extreme temperature variations, high vacuum conditions, abrasive lunar regolith dust and exposure to charged particle radiation pose significant risks to mechanical systems, necessitating specialized materials, coatings and lubrication strategies.

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Aerospace Special Report
Tribological Challenges of a Return to the Moon

To ensure the longevity and functionality of lunar exploration equipment, rigorous testing protocols are essential, including laboratory-based simulations and real-world testing through planned lunar missions.
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