Digital Sprocket

Lunar astronauts noticed scratches on their helmet visors, and lenses from lunar dust. It turns out that lunar dust is very angular and abrasive. For longer durations missions to the Moon and Mars this problem is likely to be aggravated. NASA might consider looking at a solution used by NASCAR drivers to keep their windshields clean during long races.

Before the race, several layers of a clear mylar film are affixed over the windshield. When the driver pulls in for a pit stop, a crew member quickly peels off the top layer. The identical system has been employed by the Army in the Persian Gulf to protect helicopter windshields from desert sands.

A similar system could be used to protect helmet visors, lenses, and even habitat windows for long duration mission on the Moon and Mars. A raised tab or pull-ring could be designed so that an astronaut could easily peel off a layer with gloved hands. Such a system could greatly extend the useful life of these components without returning them to the Earth for refurbishment.