Dr. Carlos Calle, lead scientist in the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepares an Electrostatic Dust Shield for testing on Thursday, July 19, 2018. Scientists are developing the Electrostatic Dust Shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, astronauts' space suits and helmet visors of astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

Dr. Carlos Calle, lead scientist in the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepares an Electrostatic Dust Shield for testing on Thursday, July 19, 2018. Scientists are developing the Electrostatic Dust Shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, astronauts' space suits and helmet visors of astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

Dr. Carlos Calle, lead scientist in the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepares an Electrostatic Dust Shield for testing on Thursday, July 19, 2018. Scientists are developing the Electrostatic Dust Shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, astronauts' space suits and helmet visors of astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

On Thursday, July 19, 2018, Dr. Carlos Calle, lead scientist in the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, activates an experiment in which an Electrostatic Dust Shield has been covered with dust similar to that which may be encountered by astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. When activated, the device shakes off the dust. Scientists are developing the dust shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, astronauts' space suits and helmet visors. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

On Thursday, July 19, 2018, Dr. Carlos Calle, lead scientist in the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, shows an Electrostatic Dust Shield that had been covered with dust similar to that which may be encountered by astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. When activated, the device shook off the dust. Scientists are developing the dust shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, astronauts' space suits and helmet visors. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, at right, tours the high bay inside the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Aug. 7, 2018. To his right are Josie Burnett, director of Exploration Research and Technology, and Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana. Behind the exhibit table, from left, are Dr. Janine Captain, a chemist in the Applied Physics Laboratory; Dr. Jackie Quinn, environmental engineer; Carlos Calle, lead scientist in the Electrostatic and Surface Physics Laboratory; and Dr. Robert Youngquist, lead, Applied Physics Laboratory. Bridenstine received updates on research and technology accomplishments during his visit to the SSPF.

Dr. Carlos Calle, lead scientist in the Kennedy Space Center's Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory, left, and Jay Phillips, a research physicist, are modifying an electrostatic precipitator to help remove dust from a simulated Martian atmosphere. NASA's Journey to Mars requires cutting-edge technologies to solve the problems explorers will face on the Red Planet. Scientists are developing some of the needed solutions by adapting a device to remove the ever-present dust from valuable elements in the Martian atmosphere. Those commodities include oxygen, water and methane.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a visit to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA Chief Technologist David Miller, right, tours laboratories inside the Swamp Works facility. At left, Dr. Carlos Calle, lead in the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory, demonstrates a system that uses an electric field wave to move simulated moon dust away from surfaces. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Jay Phillips, a research physicist in the Kennedy Space Center's Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory, left, and Dr. Carlos Calle, lead scientist in the lab, are modifying an electrostatic precipitator to help remove dust from simulated Martian atmosphere. NASA's Journey to Mars requires cutting-edge technologies to solve the problems explorers will face on the Red Planet. Scientists are developing some of the needed solutions by adapting a device to remove the ever-present dust from valuable elements in the Martian atmosphere. Those commodities include oxygen, water and methane.

Dr. Carlos Calle, lead scientist in the Kennedy Space Center's Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory, left, and Jay Phillips, a research physicist, are modifying an electrostatic precipitator to help remove dust from simulated Martian atmosphere. NASA's Journey to Mars requires cutting-edge technologies to solve the problems explorers will face on the Red Planet. Scientists are developing some of the needed solutions by adapting a device to remove the ever-present dust from valuable elements in the Martian atmosphere. Those commodities include oxygen, water and methane.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, at right, tours the high bay inside the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), on Aug. 7, 2018, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left, Carlos Calle, lead scientist in the Electrostatic and Surface Physics Laboratory, and Dr. Robert Youngquist, lead, Applied Physics Laboratory, explain electrostatic dust shield technology. Bridenstine also received updates on research and technology accomplishments during his visit to the SSPF.

In their Swamp Works laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Dr. Carlos Calle and Jay Phillips are testing an electrostatic precipitator using dust that closely approximates the make-up of that on Mars. They upgraded their electrostatic precipitator to fully simulate Martian atmosphere by designing and constructing a dust aerosolization pre-chamber. The agency's Journey to Mars requires cutting-edge technologies to solve the problems explorers will face on the Red Planet. Scientists are developing some of the needed solutions by adapting a device to remove the ever-present dust from valuable elements in the Martian atmosphere. Those commodities include oxygen, water and methane.

In the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, July 19, 2018, an experiment is underway in which an Electrostatic Dust Shield was been covered with dust similar to that which may be encountered by astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. When activated, the device shook off the dust. Scientists are developing the dust shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, astronauts' space suits and helmet visors. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

In the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, scientists are developing the Electrostatic Dust Shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, astronauts' space suits and helmet visors of astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. The hardware in display on Thursday, July 19, 2018, is slated for testing the Electrostatic Dust Shield aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

In the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, July 19, 2018, an experiment is underway in which an Electrostatic Dust Shield was been covered with dust similar to that which may be encountered by astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. When activated, the device shook off the dust. Scientists are developing the dust shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, astronauts' space suits and helmet visors. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

In the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, July 19, 2018, an experiment is underway in which an Electrostatic Dust Shield was been covered with dust similar to that which may be encountered by astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. When activated, the device shook off the dust. Scientists are developing the dust shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, astronauts' space suits and helmet visors. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

In the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, July 19, 2018, an experiment is underway in which an Electrostatic Dust Shield was been covered with dust similar to that which may be encountered by astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. After activation, the device shakes off the dust. Scientists are developing the dust shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, astronauts' space suits and helmet visors. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

In the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an Electrostatic Dust Shield is prepared for testing on Thursday, July 19, 2018. Scientists are developing the Electrostatic Dust Shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, space suits and helmet visors of astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

In the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, July 19, 2018, an experiment is underway in which an Electrostatic Dust Shield has been covered with dust similar to that which may be encountered by astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. When activated, the device shakes off the dust. Scientists are developing the dust shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, astronauts' space suits and helmet visors. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

In the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an Electrostatic Dust Shield is prepared for testing on Thursday, July 19, 2018. Scientists are developing the Electrostatic Dust Shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, space suits and helmet visors of astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

In the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, July 19, 2018, an experiment is underway in which an Electrostatic Dust Shield was been covered with dust similar to that which may be encountered by astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. After activation, the device shakes off the dust. Scientists are developing the dust shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, astronauts' space suits and helmet visors. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station t in the spring of 2019 o verify the effects of the space environment.

In the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an Electrostatic Dust Shield is seen prior to testing on Thursday, July 19, 2018. Scientists are developing the Electrostatic Dust Shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, astronauts' space suits and helmet visors of astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

In the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an Electrostatic Dust Shield is prepared for testing on Thursday, July 19, 2018. Scientists are developing the Electrostatic Dust Shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, space suits and helmet visors of astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. The device is being prepared for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

In the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, July 19, 2018, an experiment is underway in which an Electrostatic Dust Shield was been covered with dust similar to that which may be encountered by astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. After activation, the device shook off the dust. Scientists are developing the dust shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, astronauts' space suits and helmet visors. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

In the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an Electrostatic Dust Shield is seen prior to testing on Thursday, July 19, 2018. Scientists are developing the Electrostatic Dust Shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, space suits and helmet visors of astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

In the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, July 19, 2018, an Electrostatic Dust Shield has been covered with dust similar to that which may be encountered by astronauts exploring the Moon or Mars. Scientists are developing the dust shield to help mitigate the problem of dust on equipment, astronauts' space suits and helmet visors. The device is slated for analysis aboard International Space Station in the spring of 2019 to verify the effects of the space environment.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dr. Carlos Calle, senior research scientist on the Electrodynamic Dust Shield for Dust Mitigation project, manages the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory in the SwampWorks at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Electrodynamic dust shield, or EDS, technology is based on concepts originally developed by NASA as early as 1967 and later by the University of Tokyo. In 2003, NASA, in collaboration with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, started development of the EDS for dust particle removal from solar panels to be used on future missions to the moon, an asteroid or Mars. A flight experiment to expose the dust shields to the space environment currently is under development. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/scientists-developing-ways-to-mitigate-dust-problem-for-explorers/ Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dr. Carlos Calle, senior research scientist on the Electrodynamic Dust Shield for Dust Mitigation project, demonstrates equipment used in his experiments in the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory in the SwampWorks at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Electrodynamic dust shield, or EDS, technology is based on concepts originally developed by NASA as early as 1967 and later by the University of Tokyo. In 2003, NASA, in collaboration with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, started development of the EDS for dust particle removal from solar panels to be used on future missions to the moon, an asteroid or Mars. A flight experiment to expose the dust shields to the space environment currently is under development. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/scientists-developing-ways-to-mitigate-dust-problem-for-explorers/ Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

JPL scientist Dr. David Imel and U.S. Air Force Colonel Gwen Linde, the Defense Department Attache Officer assigned to the Chilean Embassy, lead Chilean students on a tour of the DC-8 aircraft at Carlos Ibanez del Campo International Airport in Punta Arenas, Chile. AirSAR 2004 is a three-week expedition by an international team of scientists that is using an all-weather imaging tool, called the Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AirSAR) which is located onboard NASA's DC-8 airborne laboratory. Scientists from many parts of the world including NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory are combining ground research done in several areas in Central and South America with NASA's AirSAR technology to improve and expand on the quality of research they are able to conduct. In South America and Antarctica, AirSAR will collect imagery and data to help determine the contribution of Southern Hemisphere glaciers to sea level rise due to climate change. In Patagonia, researchers found this contribution had more than doubled from 1995 to 2000, compared to the previous 25 years. AirSAR data will make it possible to determine whether that trend is decreasing, continuing or accelerating. AirSAR will also provide reliable information on ice shelf thickness to measure the contribution of the glaciers to sea level.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dr. Carlos Calle, senior research scientist on the Electrodynamic Dust Shield for Dust Mitigation project, demonstrates a dust particle experiment in the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory in the SwampWorks at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The technology works by creating an electric field that propagates out like the ripples on a pond. This could prevent dust accumulation on spacesuits, thermal radiators, solar panels, optical instruments and view ports for future lunar and Mars exploration activities. Electrodynamic dust shield, or EDS, technology is based on concepts originally developed by NASA as early as 1967 and later by the University of Tokyo. In 2003, NASA, in collaboration with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, started development of the EDS for dust particle removal from solar panels to be used on future missions to the moon, an asteroid or Mars. A flight experiment to expose the dust shields to the space environment currently is under development. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/scientists-developing-ways-to-mitigate-dust-problem-for-explorers/ Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dr. Carlos Calle, senior research scientist on the Electrodynamic Dust Shield for Dust Mitigation project, works with dust fabricated for use in his experiments in the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory in the SwampWorks at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The fabricated material is designed to mimic the dust on the lunar surface. The technology works by creating an electric field that propagates out like the ripples on a pond. This could prevent dust accumulation on spacesuits, thermal radiators, solar panels, optical instruments and view ports for future lunar and Mars exploration activities. Electrodynamic dust shield, or EDS, technology is based on concepts originally developed by NASA as early as 1967 and later by the University of Tokyo. In 2003, NASA, in collaboration with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, started development of the EDS for dust particle removal from solar panels to be used on future missions to the moon, an asteroid or Mars. A flight experiment to expose the dust shields to the space environment currently is under development. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/scientists-developing-ways-to-mitigate-dust-problem-for-explorers/ Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dr. Carlos Calle, senior research scientist on the Electrodynamic Dust Shield for Dust Mitigation project, demonstrates a dust particle experiment in the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory in the SwampWorks at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The technology works by creating an electric field that propagates out like the ripples on a pond. This could prevent dust accumulation on spacesuits, thermal radiators, solar panels, optical instruments and view ports for future lunar and Mars exploration activities. Electrodynamic dust shield, or EDS, technology is based on concepts originally developed by NASA as early as 1967 and later by the University of Tokyo. In 2003, NASA, in collaboration with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, started development of the EDS for dust particle removal from solar panels to be used on future missions to the moon, an asteroid or Mars. A flight experiment to expose the dust shields to the space environment currently is under development. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/scientists-developing-ways-to-mitigate-dust-problem-for-explorers/ Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper