Tag: Off Planet Research
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Moondust buster? NASA funds far-out research projects, including four in Washington state
An artist’s conception shows astronauts at work on the moon. (NASA Illustration) How do you keep moondust from gumming up the works in NASA’s future spacesuits and spacecraft? That’s one of the issues addressed in the latest batch of projects backed by NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research program. “NASA is working on ambitious, groundbreaking missions…
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Crowdfunding campaign lets you snag simulated moon dirt — but handle with care
Off Planet Research makes simulated moon dirt by the bagful. (Off Planet Research Photo) Wanna buy some fake moon dirt? Off Planet Research, which manufactures loads of the stuff, is making it available for public consumption — but make sure you don’t eat it or breathe it in. The research facility in Lacey, Wash., specializes in…
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Simulated moon dirt is turning up some real challenges for future lunar missions
Off Planet Research’s co-owners, Vince Roux and Melissa Roth, hold samples of lunar dirt and moon rocks. (GeekWire Photo / Alan Boyle) RENTON, Wash. — When commercial ventures start setting up shop on the moon, they may well run into nasty clouds of grit that clog up airways and gum up equipment. Those are just the…