Mars Dust and Perchlorate Defence Kit

Martian dust is very fine, and it contains 0.5 to 1% perchlorate, a chemical that interferes with thyroid function. Once dust gets into a habitat, the crew breathes it.

The Mars Dust and Perchlorate Defence Kit is a concept in two parts. First, a dried enzyme cartridge for habitat air filters that breaks perchlorate down, using the same kind of biology that some microbes use to detoxify it. Second, a thyroid and lung health kit for monitoring and support.

At concept stage, the work is to identify practical enzymes, make them stable when dried and show that they work inside an air-filter geometry.

Martian dust is not like terrestrial dust. It is very fine, sticks to suits and equipment, and contains 0.5 to 1% perchlorate. Perchlorate competes with iodide at the thyroid, so chronic exposure could interfere with thyroid function. Dust will inevitably enter a habitat.

Some microbes use perchlorate as an energy source, breaking it down with specialised enzymes. The kit adapts that biology: a dried enzyme cartridge that fits an air filter and breaks perchlorate down, plus a thyroid and lung health kit for monitoring and support. The programme must show that the enzymes stay active when dried and work in a real filter geometry with dust.