Unmanned probes, mainly powered by solar panels, are effective tools for exploiting space resources to expand the human habitat. However, it remains a great challenge for the unmanned probes to actively repel multiscale dust particles in space. Inspired by the synergistic antifouling mechanism of fly wings and legs, a biomimetic dynamic antifouling surface (BDAS) was prepared based on a combination of self-assembly and template inversion. BDAS consists of flexible and controllable cilia with ultrahigh aspect ratio. Under the control of an external magnetic field, BDAS can perform three modes of dust removal tasks. The synergism of these three modes ensures that BDAS provides superior dust removal against multiscale dust particles in complex environments. Compared to conventional passive dust removal surfaces, the dust removal efficiency is increased by 941%. As proof of concept, BDAS was installed on a lunar probe and achieved effective removal of simulated lunar soil (up to 1158%).
Keywords: biomimetic design; dynamic antifouling surface; fly; magnetically driven cilium; unmanned probe.