Lunar dust potentially poses serious risks to both astronauts and their equipment on the Moon’s surface. According to Nasa, it is composed of fine crushed rock – an abrasive substance that can damage lunar landers and human lungs if inhaled, as well as interfere with instruments and mechanisms.

Lunar dust even causes radiators to overheat and can destroy spacesuits. On the Sun-facing side of the Moon, it also carries solar radiation that makes it cling to everything, compounding its potential risks.

Nasa’s Artemis programme aims to land the first woman and first person of colour on the Moon by 2029, marking a return to lunar exploration more than 50 years on from the previous trip.

Researchers at Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) have been given a $50,000 grant from Nasa to build a ‘Liquid Metal Electrostatic Protective Textile’ (LiqMEST) that will actively repel lunar dust on demand while also being flexible and stretchable.

Team leader, HPU assistant...