EAC-1A: A novel large-volume lunar regolith simulant

Area of Science:

• Geosciences
• Planetary Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• The European Astronaut Centre (EAC) is developing the European Lunar Exploration Laboratory (LUNA) for astronaut training.
• A large volume of lunar regolith simulant is required for the LUNA facility's 660 m² testbed.
• Existing simulants may not meet the large-scale requirements for new lunar training facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a basanitic sandy silt from the Siebengebirge Volcanic Field as a source for a new lunar regolith simulant.
• To conduct comprehensive physical and chemical characterization of the proposed simulant, designated EAC-1A.
• To compare the properties of EAC-1A with established lunar regolith simulants.

Main Methods:

• Physical characterization: sphericity, density, cohesion, static angle of repose.
• Mineralogical and chemical analysis: petrography (optical microscope, SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).
• Comparison with existing simulants: JSC-1A, JSC-2A, NU-LHT-3M, DNA, and FJS-1.

Main Results:

• Detailed physical and chemical data for EAC-1A were obtained.
• The material's properties were assessed for suitability as a lunar regolith simulant.
• Comparative analysis with other simulants provides context for EAC-1A's potential applications.

Conclusions:

• The evaluated Siebengebirge material is a viable candidate for large-volume production of EAC-1A.
• EAC-1A's characterization data will inform its use in the LUNA training facility.
• This research contributes to the development of essential resources for lunar exploration training.