Webinars

Lunar Mining: “It’s Just Dust, Who Cares If We Breathe It!”

Presented by Chris Salvino


$20 Member | $45 Non-member | $5 SME Student Member

Mining on the Moon presents significant health hazards, particularly from inhaling lunar dust. Due to low gravity this sharp, charged, silica dust can infiltrate even the most advanced airlocks, protective suits, and filtration systems posing a persistent threat. The silica particles vary in size, with many smaller than 10 micrometers. Ultrafine particles, under 0.1 micrometers, can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and even reach the brain, leading to severe health issues like chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, and neurological damage. The unique properties of lunar dust—its size, jagged edges, electrostatic charge, and ability to remain suspended in the Moon’s low gravity—make mitigation especially challenging. While many focus on dust control using equipment and airlocks, we are dedicated to preventing dust inhalation. We are developing a comfortable, wearable Lunar Dust “Baseball Hat” that uses advanced electronic and mechanical methods to reduce dust exposure. Designed not to interfere with breathing, eating, sleeping, or communication, this innovative hat will provide a crucial safeguard for lunar miners' health during extended missions.

As CEO and Chief Engineer of Lunar Helium-3 Mining, Dr. Chris Salvino leads the mission to extract lunar Helium-3 to return it to Earth, powering future fusion reactors and achieving the world’s first green energy source. With master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Flight Test Engineering from the National Test Pilot School, Chris brings hands-on expertise in aerospace systems and challenging environments. His background in Aerospace Medicine, experience as an F-16 flight surgeon, and role as a trauma/critical care surgeon provide unique insights into the health impacts of space travel. Additionally, his Master’s in Space Studies equips him with essential knowledge of space business and policy. With advanced degrees in Planetary Geology and Mining Engineering, alongside ongoing Ph.D. research in lunar Helium-3 mining, Chris ensures LH3M’s operations are technologically feasible and focused on risk reduction. Chris’s leadership guides LH3M’s multidisciplinary team as they employ systems engineering principles and agile management techniques. Their innovative approach ensures LH3M works with the lunar environment, not against it, to fuel the future of fusion power on Earth.
 

Meeting Details:
Location: Live Webcast
Starts: 2/11/2025 2:00 pm MT
Ends: 2/11/2025 3:00 pm MT

Register Now

 

Contact SME
Email: cs@smenet.org
12999 E. Adam Aircraft Circle
Englewood, CO 80112
Phone: 720.738.4085
Fax: 303.973.3845