Charging properties and particles dynamics of Chang’E-5 lunar sample in an external electric field

Abstract

Abstract Facing to the challenges of the lunar regolith resource in-situ utilization, applying an external electric field to manipulate lunar particle becomes a promising space particle control method, which is mainly dependent on the particle charging properties in the applied electric field. In the present work, the surficial lunar regolith sample returned from the Moon by the Chang’E-5 mission (CE5 LS) were used to study its charging properties and particles dynamics under the action of an applied external electric field for high-vacuum condition. Some interesting phenomena regarding the charging process and electrostatic projection were observed and discussed. The experimental data of particle charges, charge-to-mass ratio and the pre-collision parameters of CE5 LS were obtained. Furthermore, the influences of the projected CE5 LS collision on the target colliding surfaces were studied simultaneously. Our work would provide a solid support for the future study of the lunar regolith in-situ utilization and defense.