Martian dust is a major hurdle for human missions to Mars. Like Moon dust, its fine size and electrostatically charged nature allow it to stick to spacesuits, metal, and just about any other surface they come into contact with. Dust storms are also common on Mars, ranging from small whirlwinds that happen daily to global dust storms that occur once every 3 Martian years (~5.5 Earth years) and envelop the entire planet. Due to the low density of Mars' atmosphere, these storms don't generate much physical force.

The danger lies in how the dust plays havoc with instruments, machine parts, and astronaut health and safety. Given how well it adheres to surfaces, Apollo astronauts found that lunar dust accompanied them back into their landing modules, degrading mechanical joints and seals and causing respiratory problems. A recent study led by Washington University in St.…