How does the table’s surface handle exposure to lunar regolith?

The interaction between manufactured surfaces and lunar regolith—the fine, jagged dust covering the Moon—poses a significant challenge for long-term lunar habitats. A table's surface, when exposed to this material, must contend with regolith's uniquely abrasive and adhesive properties. Unlike terrestrial dust, lunar regolith particles are not weathered by wind or water, resulting in sharp, glass-like edges that can microscopically scour and embed into surfaces.

Advanced table surfaces designed for such environments typically employ multiple strategies. First, material selection is critical. Hard, non-porous coatings like specific ceramics, engineered polymers, or anodized metals with high surface hardness are prioritized to resist scratching. Second, surface texture plays a role; a slightly textured or matte finish can sometimes mitigate the appearance of fine scratches better than a high-gloss one. Third, the use of electrostatic or passive dust mitigation coatings helps prevent regolith from adhering strongly, allowing for easier removal.

Testing is conducted using lunar regolith simulants, like JSC-1A or NU-LHT, which mimic the composition and abrasiveness of actual Moon dust. These tests reveal that even robust materials will experience gradual wear, particle embedding, and potential seal degradation over time. Consequently, the most viable solutions often involve sacrificial or easily replaceable surface panels, integrated vibration systems for dust shedding, or multi-layered material designs where the top layer can be maintained or renewed. The handling of lunar regolith exposure is less about achieving perfect immunity and more about engineering for managed degradation, cleanability, and maintenance in the harsh lunar environment.