STLE examines the challenges associated with NASA’s goal of returning to the moon and eventually establishing a sustained presence

PARK RIDGE, Illinois, USA (October 7, 2025) – The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) — the premier technical society serving the needs of the tribology and lubrication engineering business sector — is pleased to announce the release of its new free digital special report, Tribological Challenges of a Return to the Moon.

This special report summarizes how the challenges associated with NASA’s goal of returning to the Moon and eventually establishing a sustained lunar presence revolve largely around the extreme tribological environment of the Moon. Factors such as extreme temperature variations, high vacuum conditions, abrasive lunar regolith dust and exposure to charged particle radiation pose significant risks to mechanical systems, necessitating specialized materials, coatings and lubrication strategies.

“STLE is excited to celebrate World Space Week with a special report emphasizing the critical role of tribology in space exploration,” said STLE President Kevin Delaney, Vanderbilt Chemicals, LLC. “This publication highlights ongoing work to ensure that future lunar infrastructure can operate efficiently under the Moon’s uniquely harsh conditions.”

This free digital special report is now available for download at www.stle.org/tribologyaerospace. For more information, visit www.stle.org or call (847) 825-5536.

About the Society of Tribologists & Lubrication Engineers (STLE)

The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) is the premier technical society serving the needs of over 15,000 individuals and 200 companies and organizations that comprise the tribology and lubrication engineering business sector. STLE members are employed by the world’s leading corporations, academic institutions and governmental agencies dealing with science and technology. STLE supports these distinguished technical experts with various professional education and certification programs. STLE is a professional technical society providing robust resources in technical research, education and professional development delivered through programming, courses, events and periodicals on topics most important to you: safety, energy usage, maintenance, natural resources, wear and productivity.

Tribological advancements can improve productivity, profitability, sustainability and safety across several industries, including manufacturing, metalworking, transportation and power energy. Membership is available to those interested in staying current with the latest technologies, advancing their careers and making new professional connections worldwide. STLE membership is a low-cost investment with high professional rewards. For more information or to join today, visit www.stle.org.

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Media Contact: Rachel Fowler |+1 847-993-7959 | rf*****@**le.org