MUMBAI, India, Nov. 13 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641129078 A) filed by Saranathan College Of Engineering on October 29, 2026, for Lunashield - Autonomous Lunar Dust Detection & Cleaning System.
Inventors include Dr. M. Shanmugavalli; A. Sherlin; K. Samyuktha; S. Guru Prasad; I. Faheem Ahamed; S. Keerthana; and S. Uppli Srinivasan.
The application for the patent was published on November 13, 2026, under issue no. 46/2026.
Abstract: The present invention relates to an autonomous system for detecting and removing lunar dust from exposed surfaces of equipment used on the Moon, such as solar panels, camera lenses, thermal radiators and optical windows. Lunar dust is abrasive and electrostatically charged, and it adheres to surfaces, reducing power generation, visibility and heat rejection. The system comprises a sensing unit having at least one optical sensor and at least one capacitive sensor that together measure dust accumulation; a control unit that compares the measured value with a preset threshold; and a cleaning unit having transparent electrodes embedded in the protected surface. When the threshold is crossed, the control unit energizes the electrodes with a multi-phase alternating voltage, producing a travelling electric field that lifts and conveys charged particles off the surface without contact or moving parts. After the cleaning cycle, the sensing unit re-measures the surface and the control unit either ends the cycle or repeats it, so that power is used only as needed. A supplementary vibration element may dislodge residual particles. The system operates on low power without human intervention, making it suitable for long-duration lunar missionS
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
