Space Logistics

Many of us looking at logistics and supply chain operations in space have been studying "analogies" for space operations. Space operations, especially the manned space operations planned to the Moon and to Mars (and beyond) have some extremely unique aspects to them, but that does not preclude us from seeking various other terrestrial expeditions that have aspects to their missions that are similar to missions off the planet. It is our hope that, by studying these analogous missions, we can better prepare for the challenges we will face. Several broad categories of analogies that have been discussed include the westward expansion during the growth of the United States, scientific expeditions to remote locations including the arctic and the antarctic, and US Military operations around the globe.

Lunar dust has come up in many of the discussions about returning to the moon. As the article from Space.com Space.com points out, there are concerns about the nature of the lunar dust. The dust is highly charged, and thus sticks to everything. In addition, because there is no weather on the moon, the moondust has not worn down through interactions between the lunar dust particles like we have here on earth as sand and grit grind against one another in the wind, and through other natural atmospheric processes. (Go read and listen to The Mysterious Smell of Moondust at "Science at NASA" for a discussion of early Apollo experiences with moon dust.)