Electrically charged lunar regolith collection devices for lunar rovers

A lunar rover comprising:

• a body;
• at least one collection device configured to collect lunar regolith;
• a movable arm including a first end connected to the body and a second opposing end connected to the at least one collection device;
• at least one polarity sensor configured to detect a polarity of lunar regolith adjacent to the lunar rover;
• a power supply electrically connected to the at least one collection device;
• and
• a controller in communication with the at least one polarity sensor and the power supply, the controller configured to control the power supply to apply a voltage difference across the at least one collection device based on the detected polarity of the lunar regolith adjacent to the lunar rover, thereby attracting lunar regolith to the at least one collection device.

A lunar rover comprising:

• a body;
• at least one collection device adjacent to the body and configured to collect lunar regolith, the at least one collection device including at least one wall defining an opening and at least one plate positioned in the opening, the at least one collection device having a funnel shape with the opening tapering from a first end to a second end opposing the first end, the at least one plate including a steel wool mesh;
• and
• a power supply electrically connected to the at least one plate of the collection device and configured to apply a voltage difference across the at least one plate, thereby attracting lunar regolith into the at least one collection device.