Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Bio Technology - Air Revitalization and Conditioning
NASA SBIR Phase I
Company Name
Paragon Space Development Corp.
2700 E. Executive Dr., Suite 100
Tucson ,AZ 85706 - 7151
(520) 903 - 1000
Title
Solid Oxide Electrolysis for Oxygen Production in
an ARS
Contract
Awardee
Center
JSC
Quad Chart
Paragon Space Development Corporation proposes an innovative, efficient and practical concept that utilizes Solid Oxide
Electrolysis for regenerative air revitalization. The concept is innovative because it safely eliminates handling of hydrogen,
and works irrespective of gravity and pressure environments with no moving parts and no multi-phase flows. The innovation
is efficient because it requires no expendables while being compact with minimal impact on mass. The innovation is practical
because it evolves from the well-established, current state of the art in oxygen production for the regenerative air revitalization
system slated for the International Space Station. The approach proposed addresses the crux of the innovation in Phase I
through modeling and experimentation to immediately identify the most feasible approach to its implementation. Phase II will
encompass more detailed experimentation to optimize the subsystem design resulting in a fully functioning regenerative
oxygen subsystem for advanced life support. The consequence is significant because solid oxide electrolysis is an inherently
suitable technology (and possibly the only technology) for enabling 100% oxygen regeneration from carbon dioxide and water
vapor, two byproducts of crew activity that must be managed regardless.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Extravehicular Activity – Suits
NASA SBIR Phase I
Company Name
Honeybee Robotics Ltd.
460 W 34th Street
New York, NY 10001 - 2320
(212) 966-0661
Title
Autonomous Utility Connector for
Lunar Surface Systems
Contract
Awardee
Center
JSC
Quad Chart
Lunar dust has been identified as a significant and present challenge in future exploration missions. The interlocking, angular nature of Lunar
dust and its broad grain size distribution make it particularly detrimental to mechanisms with which it may come into contact. Honeybee
Robotics Spacecraft Mechanisms Corporation (HRSMC) seeks to develop a dust-tolerant, autonomous connector to transmit data and power
on Lunar surface systems. HRSMC has extensive heritage in developing mechanisms for extreme and dusty environments, including the
development of a dust-tolerant electrical connector prototype and a dust-tolerant mechanical connector concept. There are many near-term
applications of such a connector including: the utility and electrical connections that will be used on the next-generation Lunar EVA suit,
cryogenic utility connections that will be used to pass liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen during in-situ¬ resource utilization (ISRU) activities,
and high-power electrical connectors capable of thousands of cycles for Lunar Surface Mobility Unit (LSMU) battery recharge and data
transfer. As noted in current Lunar architectural options, human EVA's, long range Lunar rovers, and ISRU activities are on the mission horizon
and are paramount to the establishment of a permanent human base on the Moon. In Phase I, HRSMC will baseline prior dust-tolerant
connector work to develop a conceptual design for an autonomous, dust-tolerant, re-usable connector to enable electrical transfer between a
LSMU and a central resource outpost or a deployed solar power unit. This connector would be easily adaptable to the needs of other Lunar
surface system utility connectors required for EVA suits or other systems such as ISRU utility connections. This development path will result in
an autonomous Lunar dust-tolerant electrical connector with a TRL level of 3-4 at the end of Phase 1 with a goal of at least TRL 6 at the end of
Phase II.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Extravehicular Activity – Suits
NASA SBIR Phase II
Company Name
Honeybee Robotics Ltd.
460 W 34th Street
New York, NY 10001 - 2320
(646) 459-7802
Title
Dust-Tolerant, Reusable
Connection Mechanism for Lunar
Environments
Contract
Awardee
Center
GRC
Quad Chart
Lunar dust has been identified as a significant and present challenge in future exploration missions. Significant
development is called for in the area of devices and structures that tolerate or mitigate the presence of Lunar
dust. Honeybee Robotics Spacecraft Mechanisms Corporation (SMC) seeks to develop methods for mitigating
dust accumulation on reusable connection mechanisms, such as will be necessary for Lunar extra-vehicular
activity and surface systems equipment. Honeybee has heritage in developing mechanisms for extreme, dusty
environments. Near-term applications of such a connector include the utility and electrical connections that will be
used on the next-generation Lunar EVA suit being developed for NASA JSC by Oceaneering Space Systems, as
well as cryogenic utility connections that will be used to pass liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen during in-situ¬
resource utilization (ISRU) activities. The Phase 1 research has resulted in the development of a dust-tolerant,
manual electrical connector for the battery recharge circuit of the Portable Life Support Backpack (PLSB) being
developed for the Constellation configuration two (Lunar EVA) suit. Phase 1 breadboard testing showed 53
successful mate/de-mate cycles in the presence of JSC-1AF simulant prior to failure. In addition, this failure
appears to be the result of a late addition to the mechanical configuration that can be revised for even better
performance. In Phase II, Honeybee will revise the design of the dust-tolerant connector, investigate design
configurations for utility connections for ISRU activities, and test a connector brassboard in a chamber capable of
closely reproducing conditions on the Lunar surface. This effort will lead to the development of a dust-tolerant
electrical connector with a focused application to the Constellation configuration two (Lunar EVA) suits. This will
result in a TRL 6 Lunar dust-tolerant electrical connector.
NTTC Taxonomy
Astronautics –
Tools/EVA Tools
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Manufacturing - In-situ Resource Utilization
NASA SBIR Phase I
Contract
Awardee
Center
MSFC
Company Name
Plasma Processes, Inc.
4914 Moores Mill Road
Huntsville ,AL 35811 - 1558
(256) 851 - 7653
Title
Hydrogen Plasma Reduction of Lunar Regolith for
In-Space Fabrication
Grainflow Dynamics, Inc.
1141 Catalina Drive, PMB #270
Livermore, CA 94550 - 5928
(925) 447-4293
Solid-Solid Vacuum Regolith Heat-Exchanger for
Oxygen Production
KSC
Makel Engineering, Inc.
1585 Marauder Street
Chico, CA 95973 - 9064
(530) 895-2770
Microchannel Methanation Reactors Using
Nanofabricated Catalysts
JSC
Quad Chart
Tools for extracting resources from the moon are needed to support future space missions. Of particular interest is the
production of raw materials for in-space fabrication. In addition, oxygen and water for habitat and propulsion purposes is
needed. The only practical source for these materials is the decomposition of lunar soil, regolith. Proposed herein is an
innovative hydrogen plasma reduction technique for the production of nanosize metal powders and water from lunar
regolith. This technique is characterized by its high temperatures and rapid quenching. Due to the extremely high
temperatures involved, material injected into the plasma flame can be vaporized and dissociated very rapidly into
elemental form. Rapid quenching of the vapor prevents the growth of nucleated products while providing insufficient time
for them to recombine with the oxygen. This allows the possibility of producing nanosize metal powders and the generation
of water vapor. The result of this program will be the development of a lunar regolith hydrogen plasma reduction method for
producing nanosize metal powders for in-space fabrication and water vapor for life-support, habitat, and propulsion use.
This SBIR Phase-1 project will demonstrate the feasibility of using a novel coaxial counterflow solid-solid heat exchanger to
recover heat energy from spent regolith at 1050oC to pre-heat inlet regolith to 750oC, either continuously, or in 20kg
batches. In granular solids the area of contacts between 'touching' grains is quite small. Thus, solid-solid conduction often
plays only a minor role in heat transfer through granular solids (i.e., 'effective' conduction), and when an interstitial gas is
present, heat transfer occurs primarily via conduction through the gas. If the granular solid is also flowing, then solids
convection becomes a significant factor in overall heat transfer and effective 'conduction'. Under vacuum conditions, and
at temperatures above 700oC, radiation will dominate most heat transfer processes; however, solids convection can also
play a very significant secondary role. Utilizing judicious placement of radiation baffles, and a novel counterflow
configuration, the approach proposed in this SBIR can accomplish the desired heat transfer between spent and fresh
regolith with only one moving mechanical part, by making effective use of both radiative heat transfer and solids
convection. Discrete-element simulations of regolith flow will be utilized to refine the concept. Utilization of an existing
~1.4 cubic meter partial-vacuum facility at the University of Florida will facilitate construction of feasibility demonstration
prototypes during Phase-1 and/or Phase-2. The Phase-1 project will demonstrate the effectiveness of combining solids
convection with radiative heat transfer to rapidly transfer heat from 1050C spent material to heat fresh regolith to 750C
under vacuum conditions.
Makel Engineering, Inc. (MEI) and the Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) propose to develop and demonstrate a
microchannel methanation reactor based on nanofabricated catalysts. Sustainable/affordable exploration of space
exploration will require minimization of re-supply from Earth by implementation of In-Situ Resources Utilization (ISRU)
strategies. For exploration of the Moon, one of the most significant resources is the lunar regolith, which is a complex mix
of minerals with large oxygen content in their composition. Oxygen finds its main uses as a propellant, and for life support
systems. There are currently many technologies being developed addressing the production of oxygen from lunar regolith,
including carbothermal processes. The key to sustainability is to make sure any consumables carried from Earth are
recycled to the maximum extent possible, minimizing the need of re-supply. In the case of carbothermal based oxygen
production, carbon oxides must be converted to methane for reintroduction in the carbothermal system. This proposed
program specifically addresses topic X3.02 Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith, by developing a methanation system
that will efficiently convert mixed carbon oxides and hydrogen to methane and water.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Manufacturing - In-situ Resource Utilization
NASA SBIR Phase I
Contract
Awardee
Center
GRC
Company Name
Reactive Innovations, LLC
2 Park Drive, Unit 4
Westford, MA 01886 – 3525
(978) 692-4664
Title
Reactive-Separator Process Unit for Lunar
Regolith
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS, INC.
5700 Flatiron Parkway, #5701A
Boulder ,CO 80301 - 5733
(303) 443 - 2262
Lunar In-Situ Volatile Extraction
JSC
Physical Sciences, Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810-1077
(978) 689-0003
Multi-use Solar Thermal System for Oxygen
Production from Lunar Regolith [7227-060]
JSC
Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.
1046 New Holland Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17601 - 5688
(717) 295-6061
Heat Pipe Solar Receiver for Oxygen Production
of Lunar Regolith
GRC
Quad Chart
NASA's plans for a lunar habitation outpost call out for process technologies to separate hydrogen sulfide and sulfur
dioxide gases from regolith product gas streams. A low-pressure drop separation unit is needed to remove these sulfur
compounds from regolith process streams that is compact and lightweight. To this end, Reactive Innovations, LLC
proposes to develop an electrochemical reactive-separation unit to selectively bind and remove the sulfur compounds into
a separated stream of sulfur-based compounds. During the Phase I program, we will develop and demonstrate an
electrochemical reactive-separation platform that binds sulfur compounds via a charge transfer process to a redox carrier
that is subsequently transported across a membrane separator releasing the sulfur components. In this effort, we will
demonstrate the redox carrier for binding and releasing sulfur components, develop and assess electrodes that are
corrosion resistant to the sulfur compounds, and culminate with a prototype reactive-separator unit design and evaluation
for removing sulfur components from regolith streams. By the end of the Phase I effort, this lunar regolith reactiveseparator unit will be at a Technology Readiness Level of 3 with a Phase II program delivering an operational reactiveseparator at a TRL of 4-5.
A method of extracting volatile resources from the Lunar regolith is proposed to reduce the launch mass and cost of
bringing such resources from the Earth to enable sustainable human space exploration. Thermal energy is applied to
excavated soil releasing the solar wind volatiles and any water resources believed to exist in the Moon's polar regions. The
in-situ resource extraction and separation system will be designed to integrate with TAI's planned in-situ collection and
purification system to complete an end-to-end facility for producing high density fluids for propulsion, life support, and
power generation. Regolith excavation and subsequent volatile production rates are derived from the baseline
consumption of resources given in the point of departure mission information for proposals. A method of extracting volatiles
in a fluidized, vacuum-isolated chamber will provide an energy-efficient process through effective recuperation of thermal
energy. Several hundreds of times the excavation and extraction system mass in volatile product will be processed in the
proposed concept per year of operation. The system design will be scalable for initial testing on the Moon and eventual
operation on Mars.
Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), in collaboration with the Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company (LMSSC) and Orbital
Technologies Corporation (Orbitec), proposes to develop the multi-use solar thermal system for oxygen production from
lunar regolith. In this system solar radiation is collected by the concentrator array which transfers the concentrated solar
radiation to the optical waveguide (OW) transmission line made of low loss optical fibers. The OW transmission line directs
the solar radiation to the thermal receiver for thermochemical processing of in-situ resources or for manufacturing of
materials and components on the planetary surface. Key features of the proposed system are: 1. Highly concentrated
solar radiation (10^3 ~ 10^4 suns) can be transmitted via the flexible OW transmission line directly to the thermal receiver
for thermochemical or manufacturing; 2. Power scale-up of the system can be achieved by incremental increase of the
number of concentrator units; 3. The system can be autonomous, stationary or mobile, and easily transported and
deployed on the lunar surface; and 4. The system can be applied to a variety of ISRU processes.
This Small Business Innovative Research project by Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) will develop an advanced
high temperature heat pipe solar receiver that can be used for the production of oxygen from lunar regolith. ACT proposes
a high temperature heat pipe solar receiver that can accept and and transfer the solar thermal energy to the lunar soil,
thereby extracting oxygen. The heat pipe design will also be able to isothermalize the reactors, increasing the available
area for soil evaporation, and consequently increasing the throughput and efficiency. The overall objective of the Phase I
and II programs is to develop a heat pipe solar receiver for the production of oxygen from regolith. In Phase I, the principal
objectives are to design the receiver, and fabricate and test a representative heat pipe under simulated conditions. The
Phase II program will fabricate and test the full scale heat pipe solar receiver.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Manufacturing - In-situ Resource Utilization
NASA SBIR Phase I
Contract
Awardee
Center
GRC
Company Name
DR Technologies, Inc.
7740 Kenamar Court
San Diego, CA 92121-2425
(858) 587-4210
Title
Modular Distributed Concentrator for Solar Furnace
Lynntech, Inc.
7607 Eastmark Drive, Suite 102
College Station ,TX 77840 - 4027
(979) 693 - 0017
In Situ Oxygen Production from Lunar and Martian
Regolith
GRC
MicroCell Technologies, LLC
410 Great Road, Suite C-2
Littleton ,MA 01460 - 1273
(978) 952 - 6947
Electrochemically Modulated Gas/Liquid Separation
Technology for In Situ Resource Utilization Process
Streams
KSC
NexTech Materials, Ltd.
404 Enterprise Dr.
Lewis Center ,OH 43035 - 9423
(614) 842 - 6606
Ceramic Oxygen Generator for Carbon Dioxide
Electrolysis Systems
MSFC
Quad Chart
This research proposes to develop a lightweight approach to achieving the high concentrations of solar energy needed for
a solar furnace achieving temperatures of 1000-2000C. Conventional solar-fired furnaces face significant challenges in
fabricating, deploying and pointing the large aperture, high concentration ratio reflectors that power them. The Modular
Distributed Concentrator (MDC) is a systems solution comprising an array of identical, modestly sized solar concentrator
dishes with a network of optical or thermal transmission links that route the high quality concentrated energy to a
centralized receiver. The approach provides lower mass because of the ability to optimize the scale of the individual
reflectors to achieve high concentration ratio without the heavy structure needed to achieve and maintain optical alignment
found in large aperture optics. The minimum deployed height associated with an array of concentrators allows for good
packaging efficiency and minimum deployment complexity, and since the dishes are one-piece and identical, tooling and
manufacturing costs are significantly reduced. The proposed program performs system optimization trades and then
proceeds to the preliminary design and development of key components such as the optical light guide and thermal heat
pipe transmission links that carry the energy to the furnace, as well as the key input and output interfaces. A proof-ofconcept demonstration in Phase I will be used to validate the performance model and guide the detailed design,
development and environmental testing of system components in Phase II.
In situ oxygen production is of immense importance to NASA in the support of the NASA initiative to sustain man's
permanent presence in space. The oxygen produced can be used as breathable oxygen, as a source of fuel for Moon or
Mars based vehicles (for either return to Earth or as a basis for further space exploration), or as a source of oxygen for fuel
cell or other power generating devices. Lynntech proposes to use plasma technology to liberate the oxygen bound in the
oxides of regolith to produce oxygen in situ on either the moon or Mars. Lynntech's innovative solid feedstock plasma
reformer is simple, robust and unaffected by variations in the composition or particle size of the regolith. Lynntech has
previously demonstrated the principle of plasma reformation on a variety of projects and has preliminary results
demonstrating the technology proposed here. Lynntech is currently developing plasma reformers for the US Air Force
capable of producing several SCFM of hydrogen from JP-8 as well as multi-fuel (gas/liquid) capable reformers. A small (<
10W) plasma reformer has also been demonstrated for the production of hydrogen on Titan for NASA.
In this phase I program MicroCell Technologies, LLC (MCT) proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of an electrochemically
modulated phase separator for in situ processing and refining in future space missions. Two-phase (liquid and gas) flow
can be a vital part of many life support and or thermal management systems which will be supported using in situ
resources on spacecraft and on future habitations on the Moon and Mars. In this phase I program, we propose to
demonstrate the use of an innovative electrochemically modulated gas/liquid separation system for use in 0-g conditions.
In phase I, we propose to develop a supported ionic liquid membrane electrode assembly and demonstrate the separation
of CO2 from water. The phase II program will optimize this system, as well as adapt this technnology to selectively
separate other gases of interest for ISRU applications such as nitrogen and oxygen in a two-phase flow. In phase II we will
also develop innovative reactor designs to minimize size and weight for space applications.
In this SBIR Phase I proposal (Topic X9.01), NexTech Materials, Ltd. proposes to develop a high efficiency ceramic
oxygen generation system which will separate O2 from the CO2-rich (95%) Martian atmosphere through a solid-oxide
electrolysis process at 750-850?aC. The CO2 electrolysis process will produce O2 and CO. The O2 may be used for life
support and as an oxidant (for a fuel cell power system), and CO may be collected and used directly as fuel (or converted
to methane for use as a fuel). The electrolysis system is based on the Tubular Monolithic Ceramic Oxygen Generator (TMCOG) platform, whereby multiple oxygen separation cells are connected in series across both faces of a porous, flat-tube
support. The design allows for simplified gas manifolding, sealing, and current collection and permits a high degree of cell
stacking efficiency. In Phase I of the project, a prototype TM-COG module will be fabricated and the performance will be
evaluated. The Phase I work will establish a foundation for work in Phase II, where a breadboard prototype TM-COG
system will be produced and delivered to NASA that will be capable of producing 125 grams per hour of oxygen (or 1 kg
per eight-hour day).
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Manufacturing - In-situ Resource Utilization
NASA SBIR Phase I
Company Name
Pioneer Astronautics
11111 W. 8th Avenue, Unit A
Lakewood, CO 80215 - 5516
(303) 980-0890
Title
Lunar Soil Particle Separator
Contract
Awardee
Center
GRC
Pioneer Astronautics 11111 W. 8th Ave.,
Unit A Lakewood ,CO 80215 - 5516
(303) 980 - 0890
Lunar Materials Handling System
JSC
Quad Chart
The Lunar Soil Particle Separator (LSP is an innovative method to beneficiate soil prior to in-situ resource utilization
(ISRU). The LSPS improves ISRU oxygen yield by boosting the concentration of ilmenite or other iron-oxide bearing
materials found in lunar soils. LSPS particle size separations can be performed to improve gas-solid interactions and
reactor flow dynamics. LSPS mineral separations can be used to alter the sintering characteristics of lunar soil. The LSPS
can eventually be used to separate and concentrate lunar minerals useful for manufacture of structural materials, glass,
and chemicals. The LSPS integrates an initial centrifugal particle size separation with magnetic, gravity, and/or electrostatic
separations. The LSPS centrifugal separation method overcomes the reduced efficiency of conventional particle sieving in
reduced gravity. Feed conditioning, such as charge neutralization, can be incorporated into the LSPS to release and
disperse surface fines prior to particle separations. The conceptual LSPS hardware design integrates many individual unit
operations to reduce system mass and power requirements. The LSPS is applicable to ISRU feed processing as well as
robotic prospecting to characterize soils over a wide region on the Moon. The LSPS is scalable and is amenable to testing
and development under simulated lunar environmental conditions.
The Lunar Materials Handling System (LMH is a method for transfer of bulk materials and products into and out of process
equipment in support of lunar and Mars in situ resource utilization (ISRU). The LMHS conveys solids to the ISRU vessel,
provides a gas-tight pressure/vacuum seal, and minimizes wear related to abrasive particles. Lunar and Mars ISRU
scenarios require that equipment be operated over many cycles with minimal consumption of expendables and with
minimal leakage in order to maintain high overall process leverage. ISRU processes can be demonstrated in the laboratory
to establish basic feasibility with respect to reagent leverage. Reagent leverage is defined as the mass of commodity
produced divided by the mass of reagents consumed. However, the process leverage component related to equipment
wear and loss of gasses, reagents, or product through seals and valves is more difficult to establish from laboratory testing.
The LMHS increases equipment life and minimizes process losses, thereby increasing overall leverage and reducing
uncertainties in ISRU process evaluation. The LMHS is based on a seal arrangement by which lunar regolith can be
introduced into and removed from reaction chambers operating under a wide range of batch operating conditions.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Manufacturing - In-situ Resource Utilization
NASA SBIR Phase II
Company Name
DR Technologies, Inc.
7740 Kenamar Court
San Diego, CA 92121 - 2425
(858) 677-1226
Title
Modular Distributed Concentrator for Solar
Furnace
Honeybee Robotics Ltd.
460 W 34th Street
New York, NY 10001 - 4236
(212) 966-0661
Pneumatic Excavation Mechanism for Lunar
Resource Utilization
Contract
Awardee
Center
GRC
KSC
Quad Chart
This research proposes to develop the technology needed to implement a solar-fired regolith processing
system at a lunar outpost that achieves low mass, high performance, easy assembly, operation and
maintenance, and durability. The Modular Distributed Concentrator (MDC) comprises an array of
identical, smaller-sized solar concentrator dishes with a network of power transmission links that route the
high quality concentrated energy to a centralized receiver and avoids the challenges of deploying large
concentrators with furnace chambers suspended at their focus. The Phase I showed the ability to
optimize the concentrator reflector scale to provide low mass, showed that the heat pipe approach had
better figures of merit than the optical waveguide approach, and, as a proof-of-concept, used a terrestrial
solar concentrator to fire a sodium heat pipe to transmit heat at 1000C. The Phase II effort proposes to
establish a system design for a MDC / heat-pipe based carbothermal processing system which requires
>1625C process heat. We develop and demonstrate the components needed to deliver heat at this
temperature with high performance, using space quality materials, including concentrator, concentrator
receiver, tungsten/lithium heat pipe, and an innovative Heat Pipe Thermal Interface (HPTI) that most
effectively transfers the power directly into the regolith. The Phase II includes an end-to-end
demonstration of all of the subsystems, collecting and concentrating solar energy, transmitting it at
>1625C, through the heat pipe and HPTI into the regolith, and extracting oxygen from regolith simulant in
an existing process chamber.
Honeybee Robotics, in collaboration with Firestar Engineering, proposes to continue development of a
pneumatic regolith excavating, moving and heating approach. With this additional maturity, this base
technology will enable multiple applications in lunar surface operations. In particular: We propose to
develop a prototype excavator for mining the top few centimeters to meter (via strip mining) of lunar
regolith using pneumatics in an analogous jet-lift dredging method and excavating holes and trenches of
various dimensions. This method uses a pulsed gas to draw adjacent material into a delivery pipe
connected to a receiving container or exit tube for delivery over long distances. This work would continue
development on the base technology of the pneumatic approach. We also propose to adapt the
pneumatic system developed for mining to the task of regolith transfer. For example the pneumatic
regolith transfer method could be used in place of an auger (which has a tendency to jam) to move the
regolith from a hopper to an oxygen extraction plant. As another application of this pneumatic approach,
we proposed to use dusty gas (regolith suspended in carrier gas feeding from a hopper to a processing
plant) and heat it in a heat exchanger. The convective heat transfer (or even gaseous conduction) in
granular material is much more effective than solid-solid conduction especially in vacuum where particle
to particle conduction is minimal making a regolith four times better insulator than aerogel.
NTTC Taxonomy
Manufacturing –
In Situ Manufacturing
Manufacturing –
In Situ Manufacturing
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Manufacturing - In-situ Resource Utilization
NASA SBIR Phase II
Contract
Awardee
Center
Company Name
Plasma Processes, Inc.
4914 Moores Mill Road
Huntsville, AL 35811-1558
(256) 851-7653
Title
Plasma Reduction of Lunar Regolith for InSpace Fabrication
MSFC
Pioneer Astronautics
11111 W. 8th Ave., Unit A
Lakewood ,CO 80215 - 5516(
303) 980 - 0890
Mars Aqueous Processing System
JSC
Pioneer Astronautics
11111 W. 8th Avenue, Unit A
Lakewood, CO 80215 - 5516
(303) 980-0890
Lunar Sulfur Capture System
KSC
Quad Chart
Tools for extracting resources from the moon are needed to support future space missions. Of particular
interest is the production of gases and metals for life support, propulsion, and in-space fabrication. The
only practical source for these materials is the decomposition of lunar regolith. Described herein is an
innovative plasma reduction technique for the production of gases and metal powders. This technique is
characterized by its high temperatures and rapid quenching. During Phase 1, silicon, iron, and
magnesium in crystalline form were produced using the plasma reduction technique. Based on the
analysis of captured gas samples and the fact that metallic species were produced, oxygen was also
evolved as a result of plasma processing. During Phase 2, the plasma techniques developed during
Phase 1 will be optimized. Techniques to separate and collect pure oxygen from the regolith and the
processing gases will be developed. Steps will be taken to reduce the power requirements needed for
plasma reduction. Additional metals such as aluminum, titanium, and calcium will also be produced by
varying processing parameters. Precise measurement of particle temperature and velocity will be
performed and correlated with processing parameters and thermodynamic calculations so that these
objectives can be met.
The Mars Aqueous Processing System (MAP is a novel technology for recovering oxygen, iron, and other
constituents from lunar and Mars soils. The closed-loop process selectively extracts and then recovers
constituents from soils using acids and bases. The emphasis on Mars is production of useful materials
such as iron, silica, alumina, magnesia, and concrete with recovery of oxygen as a byproduct. On the
Moon, similar chemistry is applied with emphasis on oxygen production. Most lunar LOx processes only
reduce FeO, which is generally present at just 10 to 15 percent in soils. All of the soil must be heated to
reduce the contained FeO, resulting in substantial heat transfer issues. Thermal power requirements per
unit of oxygen recovered are reduced by an order of magnitude and hydrogen losses are minimized if
only a small mass of high-grade iron oxide concentrate, such as that produced by MAPS, is subjected to
hydrogen reduction. MAPS is significant because it can be co-developed for Mars and Moon
applications. The process would be commissioned first for oxygen production on the Moon. Modular
enhancements for manufacture of additional products would be implemented on the Moon and then on
Mars, thereby reducing risks and costs.
The Lunar Sulfur Capture System (LSC is an innovative method to capture greater than 90 percent of
sulfur gases evolved during thermal treatment of lunar soils. LSCS sorbents are based on lunar soil iron
compounds that trap sulfur contained in hot in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) product gases. Small
amounts of polishing sorbents are used as needed to reduce equilibrium sulfur concentrations to the ppm
or sub-ppm level. The LSCS is an effective technology for protecting in-situ resource utilization (ISRU)
hardware from damage caused by the corrosive effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2 and other sulfurcontaining gases. Saturated sorbents can be regenerated for reuse, and desorbed sulfur can be
converted to elemental sulfur. Key process steps include bulk H2S capture on lunar soil, further capture of
H2S on polishing sorbent, regeneration of soil sorbent for re-use, recovery of high-purity H2S, and
conversion of H2S to elemental sulfur. The LSCS reduces the risk of using Earth-based sorbents for
primary sulfur capture by ensuring a ready supply of sorbent in the event of poor regeneration
performance or process upset. The LSCS primary sulfur sorbent can be used as a non-regenerable
sorbent if necessary without significant consequence to the ISRU process.
NTTC Taxonomy
Manufacturing –
In Situ Manufacturing
Manufacturing –
In Situ Manufacturing
Manufacturing –
In Situ Manufacturing
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Manufacturing - In-situ Resource Utilization
NASA SBIR Phase II
Contract
Awardee
Center
Company Name
Pioneer Astronautics
11111 W. 8th Ave., Unit A
Lakewood, CO 80215-5516
(303) 980-0890
Title
Lunar Materials Handling System
Physical Optics Corporation
20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg.
100Torrance, CA 90501 – 1821
(310) 320-3088
Selective Photo-Initiated Electrophoretic
Separator
JSC
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810 - 1077
(978) 689-0003
Multi-Use Solar Thermal System for Oxygen
Production from Lunar Regolith [7227-570]
JSC
JSC
Quad Chart
The Lunar Materials Handling System (LMH is a method for transfer of lunar soil into and out of process
equipment in support of in situ resource utilization (ISRU). The LMHS conveys solids to the ISRU vessel,
provides a gas-tight seal, and minimizes wear related to abrasive particles. Lunar ISRU scenarios require
that equipment be operated over many cycles with minimal consumption of expendables and with minimal
leakage in order to maintain high overall process leverage. The LMHS increases equipment life and
minimizes process losses, thereby increasing overall leverage and reducing uncertainties in ISRU
process evaluation. The LMHS is based on a seal arrangement by which lunar regolith can be introduced
into and removed from reaction chambers operating under a wide range of batch operating
conditions.Most lunar ISRU processes will use regolith as feed. Hydrogen reduction is a prime candidate
for nearer-term lunar ISRU implementation. The LMHS was integrated with hydrogen reduction and
operated in vacuum during Phase I. The LMHS-hydrogen reduction unit demonstrated feeding, sealing,
water recovery for oxygen production, and discharging of residue in realistic operating conditions.
Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a Selective Photoinitiated Electrophoretic
Separator (SPIE System to address NASA's volatile gas separation and collection needs on the moon
and Mars. It will process gas streams generated by upstream lunar in-situ resource utilization (ISRU)
processes to produce purified gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, water vapor, and others that support
human habitat here. The SPIES system, consisting of a series of compact (<20 cm diameter, 60 cm long,
<5 kg) and energy efficient (<30 W) modules, produces highly purified gases of interest at ambient
temperatures and pressures, requires no consumables, and eliminates the need for extensive
downstream equipment thus, reducing equipment launch size and weight by 33%. In Phase I, POC
designed and assembled a proof-of-concept prototype of technology readiness level (TRL) 4 that
successfully demonstrated purification of simulated lunar ISRU hydrogen gas streams by gas separation
and extraction to reduce hydrogen sulfide contamination to <1 part per million (ppm). In Phase II, POC
will optimize the system design to assemble a fully functional TRL 5 SPIES system prototype that will
efficiently reduce the hydrogen sulfide concentration to <1 ppm in a realistic gas stream like those
generated by NASA's hydrogen reformate process.
We propose to develop an innovative solar thermal system for oxygen production from lunar regolith. In
this system solar radiation is collected by the concentrator array which transfers the concentrated solar
radiation to the optical waveguide (OW) transmission line made of low loss optical fibers. The OW
transmission line directs the solar radiation to the thermal receiver for processing of lunar regolith for
oxygen production. Key features of the proposed system are: 1. Highly concentrated solar radiation (~
4×103suns) can be transmitted via the flexible OW transmission line directly to the thermal receiver for
oxygen production from lunar regolith; 2. Power scale-up of the system can be achieved by incremental
increase of the number of concentrator units; 3. The system can be autonomous, stationary or mobile,
and easily transported and deployed on the lunar surface; and 4. The system can be applied to a variety
of oxygen production processes. The proposed Phase II program consists of the following tasks: Task1: Develop an engineering prototype of the solar thermal system. Task-2: Integrate the solar thermal
system with the carbothermal process reactor for utility demonstration and performance evaluation. Task3: Improve the key components to the level acceptable for a space-based operational system.
NTTC Taxonomy
Manufacturing –
In Situ Manufacturing
Manufacturing –
In Situ Manufacturing
Manufacturing –
In Situ Manufacturing
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Manufacturing - In-situ Resource Utilization
NASA SBIR Phase II
Company Name
Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.
1046 New Holland Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17601 - 5688
(717) 295-6058
Title
Heat Pipe Solar Receiver for Oxygen
Production of Lunar Regolith
Paragon Space Development Corp.
3481 E. Michigan Street
Tucson, AZ 85714-2221
(520) 903-1000
Solid Oxide Electrolysis for Oxygen
Production in an ARS
Contract
Awardee
Center
GRC
JSC
Quad Chart
Researchers have determined that lunar soil contains approximately 43% oxygen in the lunar soil oxides,
which could be extracted to provide breathable oxygen for consumption by astronauts. The proposed
program will develop a solar receiver for the hydrogen reduction process that uses sodium heat pipes in
the 1050oC temperature range. The heat pipe solar receiver is accepts the non-uniform solar thermal
energy, and deliver the energy to the lunar regolith with a uniform heat flux and temperature. This
increases throughput and efficiency. The principal Phase II program objective is to design, fabricate, and
demonstrate a heat pipe solar receiver in a relevant environment and near optimum configuration. While
the Phase I program focused on a single heat pipe solar receiver and regolith reactor, the Phase II
program will examine variable-conductance or pressure-controlled heat pipes to supply the heat supplied
from a single receiver to multiple reactors. The program will examine control schemes to vary the heat
supplied to each reactor, hydrogen permeation, and evaluation of the heat pipe wall materials.
Oxygen regenerated from a crew's expired CO2 and H2O vapor is essential to enabling a continuous
human presence on the moon at significantly reduced costs and risks. Any such technology
demonstrated on the moon will then be ready to support the transport of humans to Mars and their
eventual surface exploration efforts. Paragon Space Development Corporation is proposing an
innovative, efficient and practical concept that utilizes Solid Oxide Electrolysis (SOE) for the next
generation electrolysis/Sabatier subsystem to enable 100% oxygen regenerative air revitalization systems
(AR. The concept is innovative because it safely eliminates handling of hydrogen, works irrespective of
gravity and pressure environments with no moving parts and no multi-phase flows, and requires no
expendables while being compact with minimal impact on mass. This innovation is directly relevant and
essential to our current mandate set by the President to return humans to the moon and in doing so
develop technologies that will enable our exploration of Mars.The significance of the proposed Phase 2
SOE development effort is that it offers the very real possibility that life support systems could close the
oxygen loop such that oxygen supporting consumables required to produce oxygen need not continually
be delivered from Earth.
NTTC Taxonomy
Manufacturing –
In Situ Manufacturing
Biological Health/Life Supoort Essential Resources
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Materials – Ceramics
NASA SBIR Phase I
Company Name
Pioneer Astronautics
11111 W. 8th Avenue, Unit A
Lakewood, CO 80215 - 5516
(303) 980-0890
Title
Durable Dust Repellent Coating for
Metals
Contract
Awardee
Center
GRC
Quad Chart
The Durable Dust Repellent Coating (DDRC) consists of nano-phase silica, titania, or other oxide coatings to repel dust in a vacuum environment
over a wide range of temperatures. The coatings are engineered with dielectric properties to strongly repel particles from surfaces. Durability is
attained by application methods such as sol-gel coating or physical vapor deposition onto stationary and rotating surfaces of EVA equipment,
hatches and seals, lunar modules, ISRU hardware, and habitats prior to assembly. The application of the coating is followed by annealing at
elevated temperatures. Initial development is planned for stainless steel, followed later by other metals and plastics. In addition to dust
repellency, the DDRC provides abrasion resistance to lunar hardware. Some of the DDRC coatings also impart UV resistance to the substrate.
Unlike convential dust removal methods such as brushing or blowing that may result in deep infiltration of particles, dust can be readily removed
from DDRC surfaces by tilting or mild vibration.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Materials – Ceramics
NASA SBIR Phase II
Company Name
Sienna Technologies, Inc
19501 144th Avenue NE, Suite F-500
Woodinville, WA 98072 - 4423
(425) 485-7272
Title
A High Performance Cathode Heater for
Hall Thrusters
Contract
Awardee
Center
JPL
Quad Chart
The current state-of-the-art co-axial swaged tantalum (Ta) heaters use magnesium oxide (MgO) insulators,
which limits their operation to temperatures well below 1300ºC to prevent undesirable chemical reactions
between Mg and Ta and heater failure. This program will develop a new ceramic insulator that is chemically
compatibility with Ta and has high thermal stability at temperatures of 1300ºC-1600ºC for swaged heaters for
BaO-impregnated and LaB6 hollow cathodes. In Phase I, we demonstrated the new ceramic insulators can
be used in swaged Ta heaters for BaO-impregnated cathodes that operate at 1100ºC-1300ºC. In Phase II,
we will further develop the new ceramic insulator for use in LaB6 hollow cathode heaters that operate at
1600ºC. We will develop an extrusion process to fabricate ceramic insulators with high dimensional
tolerances at low cost and fabricate a prototype swaged coaxial heaters in collaboration with a heater
manufacturer. Performance mapping and heater testing will be carried out in collaboration with an end-user
aerospace company.
NTTC Taxonomy
Materilas & Compositions Ceramics
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Materials – Metallics
Company Name
SpaceDev, Inc.
1722 Boxelder Street, Suite 102
Louisville, CO 80027 - 3137
(303) 530-1925
Title
Innovative, EVA Compatible Fluid Coupling for
Lunar Surface Systems Applications
Starsys, Inc
1722 Boxelder Street
Louisville, CO 80027 - 3008
(303) 530-1925
Sealing Technologies for Repetitive Use in
Abrasive, Electrostatic, High Vacuum Environments
Electrolytic Research Corporation, LLC
73 Winsor Rd.
Sudbury, MA 01776 - 2370
(978) 443-9861
Large Scale Inert Anode for Molten Oxide
Electrolysis
NASA SBIR Phase I
Contract
Awardee
Center
Quad Chart
KSC
SpaceDev Inc. is proposing an innovative fluid coupling enabling the transfer of consumables such as liquid oxygen
while maintaining functionality in the presence of lunar regolith, including dust. SpaceDev initially designed and
developed this coupler to support on-orbit fluid transfer of cryogenics, gases, and water. Further development of and
enhancements to this existing design are planned under Phase 1 to demonstrate feasibility for lunar applications, with
advanced prototype testing in Phase 2 to make-ready the coupling for formal flight qualification and production. At the
heart of the fluid coupling is an innovative re-settable knife edge seal that requires low pre-loads to provide the fluid
seal. The sealing surface can be quickly and easily reset with the application of a heater-type electric signal for only a
few minutes at ambient conditions. Joint coupling is accomplished by a sharp-edged member piercing and embedding
itself into a soft Indium seal ring. After coupling disconnect, reset is accomplished by heating the Indium seal to its
melting point. Entrained in an arterial wick, the seal ring surface reflows, leaving a virgin seal surface upon cooling.
The arterial wick allows for joint reflow in microgravity environments. The coupling is then reset to allow for successive
servicing operations. Current prototypes have been tested with air, water and LN2 at pressures from 0 to 100 psi.
SpaceDev recently completed a separate Phase 1 SBIR that demonstrated that the all-metal, knife-edge seal con-cept
has the capability for maintaining seal integrity even in the presence of the abrasive, lunar dust. The knife edge seal
offers two distinct advantages when attempting to mitigate the affects of lunar dust: 1) the knife edge tends toward
self-cleaning and exclusion of foreign matter such as lunar dust due to metal cold-flow patterns during penetration, and
2) the Indium can be heated and re-flowed in between mate and demate cycles to reform a fresh seal.
JSC
Clearly, the presence of lunar dust has the propensity for major adverse impacts on dynamic mechanical systems
required for future lunar operations such as Rovers, Robotic Systems, In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) and science
experiments. As such, the development of innovative techniques for mitigating dust affects is warranted. In abrasive
environments such as the presence of regolith dust on the moon, mechanism seals must be either designed for
robustness to avoid premature damage and leakage, or, the dust particles must be removed. For this SBIR, Starsys
proposes an enabling all-metal, knife-edge seal capable of maintaining seal integrity even in the presence of the
abrasive, lunar dust. The proposed Knife Edge Seal concept provides for an innovative mechanism by which to seal
critical ISRU mechanisms even in the presence of lunar dust contamination. Starsys' knife edge seal approach will
utilize a hard metal knife edge and seal gland filled with an Indium alloy. The knife edge geometry is sized to allow for
low forces required to penetrate the Indium, while the gland geometry is sized to properly and reliably capture the
Indium. The Indium is a phase change material available in a variety of alloys to target specific melting points. The
Knife Edge Seal offers two distinct advantages when attempting to mitigate the affects of lunar dust; 1) the knife edge
will penetrate any dust layer developed on the seal gland surface and embed itself into the gland material, and 2) the
Indium can be heated and re-flowed in between mate and de-mate cycles, allowing the dust particles to mix in with the
soft Indium material and most likely eliminating sufficient barrier between the knife edge and Indium to allow for
sufficient sealing to occur.
KSC
Molten oxide electrolysis is a demonstrated laboratory-scale process for producing oxygen from the JSC-1a lunar
simulant; however, critical subsystems necessary for a larger-scale, lunar-ready reactor must be further developed to
increase technology readiness. An enabling technology of the MOE system that must be scaled is the iridium inert
anode. Iridium, a proven inert anode in the process, is expensive, scarce, extremely dense, and difficult to fabricate.
Electrolytic Research Corporation will develop a larger-scale anode optimized for cost, weight, material availability,
and manufacturability. ERC proposes an optimized iridium-based alloy or composite anode using electrochemical and
thermophysical materials selection criteria validated with experiments (electrolysis testing) and modeling. The iridium
alloy and composite screening will generate results necessary for Phase 2, where a surface engineered, multi-layer
anode will be designed that includes either a refractory-metal or carbon substrate, a conductive diffusion-barrier inner
layer, and an iridium outer layer. Completion of the work will greatly enhance the technology readiness level of the
NASA molten oxide electrolysis in-situ resource utilization program.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Materials – Metallics
Company Name
Plasma Processes, Inc.
4914 Moores Mill Road
Huntsville, AL 35811 - 1558
(256) 851-7653
Title
High Surface Iridium Anodes for Molten Oxide
Electrolysis
NASA SBIR Phase I
Contract
Awardee
Center
Quad Chart
KSC
Processing of lunar regolith into oxygen for habitat and propulsion is needed to support future space missions. Direct
electrochemical reduction of molten regolith is most attractive method of processing because no additional chemical
reagents are needed. The electrochemical processing of molten oxides requires high surface area inert anodes. Such
electrodes need to be structurally robust at elevated temperatures (1400-1600oC), be resistant to thermal shock, have
good electrical conductivity, be resistant to attack by molten oxide (silicate), be electrochemically stable and support
high current density. Because of high melting point, good oxidation resistance, superior high temperature strength and
ductility, iridium is the most promising candidate for anodes in high temperature electrochemical processes. Two
innovative concepts for manufacturing such anodes by electrodeposition of iridium from molten salt electrolyte (ELFormTM process) are proposed. This technique is characterized by its ability to produce dense, ductile, pore-free,
99.9% pure iridium in form of complex shape components and coatings. The result of this program will be the
development, manufacturing and testing of high surface iridium anodes for molten oxide electrolysis. The testing will
be performed in cooperation with NASA and MIT.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Materials – Tribology
NASA SBIR Phase I
Company Name
Lynntech, Inc.
7610 Eastmark Drive
College Station, TX 77840 - 4023
(979) 693-0017
Title
Low Friction Surfaces for Low Temperature
Applications
Plasma Processes, Inc.
4914 Moores Mill Road
Huntsville, AL 35811 - 1558
(256) 851-7653
Multi-Use Coating for Abrasion Prevention, Wear
Protection, and Lunar Dust Removal
Contract
Awardee
Center
GSFC
GRC
Quad Chart
Lunar and other extraterrestrial environments put extreme demands on moving mechanical components. Gears must
continue to function and surfaces must continue to slide over a wide temperature range, the low end of which renders most
conventional lubricants solidified while the high end vaporizes them, especially in a vacuum. Extremely long service lives are
needed, and dust can cause abrasive damage. The solution is to use a high lubricity wear resistant solid, but not even all
solid lubricants are suitable for the full range of challenges.We propose to use a novel electrocodeposition process to produce
a quasicrystalline coating on the surface of metal parts. Quasicrystals are a unique family of alloys having symmetries found
nowhere else. They are exceptionally hard, with low surface energies. Quasicrystalline coatings have been demonstrated to
be stable over wide temperature ranges and to have low friction over the entire range. Our process produces solid, highdensity, low friction coatings on a variety of metal substrates. The coatings are stable for the long periods needed to achieve
long operating lives. They are applied under relatively mild conditions using readily available equipment and can be applied to
substrates of any shape or size. In this project we will demonstrate the application of low friction coatings to gear alloys and
show their low friction and wear properties over a temperature range that extends from above ambient to cryogenic.
The deleterious effects of lunar dust, typically less than 50 µm in diameter, have to be addressed prior to establishing a
human base and long duration human presence on the surface of the moon. These effects include abrasion of seals, gaskets,
motors, actuators, gimbals, bearings, blocking of optical windows, and coating of thermal control surfaces and solar panels
with lunar dust. Negative physiological effects due to dust inhalation by astronauts must be mitigated. Issues related to lunar
dust have been identified since the Apollo missions; however, no credible mitigation techniques have been implemented to
date. The essence of this proposed activity is to develop a dual-use coating system - a highly wear resistant coating surface
that can also perform as part of an electrically conductive circuit upon demand to minimize wear surface abrasion and, when
electrically activated, repel fine lunar dust particles from wear surfaces, sealing surfaces, and complex geometries. Multi-use
wear resistant surfaces are also applicable to space structures such as the trundle bearings on the space station solar arrays.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Materials – Tribology
Company Name
Diamond Materials, Inc.
120 Centennial Avenue
Piscataway, NJ 08854 - 3908
(732) 885-0805
Title
Non-Lubricated Diamond-Coated Bearings
Reinforced by Carbon Fibers to Work in Lunar
Dust
NASA SBIR Phase II
Contract
Awardee
Center
Quad Chart
GRC
In Phase I, we made prototype sliding bearings from functionally-graded, diamond-coated carbon-fiber
reinforced composite. In dry-sliding experiments, the friction of the diamond-coated composites against
lunar dust simulant was low and the wear was so small that it could not be detected. In contrast, all other
tested materials experienced rapid abrasive wear. These tests demonstrate that diamond-coated
composites are ideal materials for non-lubricated bearings, designed to operate in a lunar dust
environment. The primary thrust of Phase II will be a fabrication of sliding, journal and ball bearings and
testing them in low temperature vacuum chamber that corresponds to the parameters of the Moon's
surface. To implement technology transfer, DMI will partner with established bearing companies. Hence,
NASA will have qualified suppliers of different types of precision diamond-coated composite bearings.
NTTC Taxonomy
Materials & Compositions Coatings/Surface Treatments
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Power and Energy - Energy Storage
NASA SBIR Phase I
Company Name
Pioneer Astronautics
11111 W. 8th Avenue, Unit A
Lakewood, CO 80215 - 5516
(303) 980-0890
Title
Multi-Cell Thermal Battery
Contract
Awardee
Center
JSC
Quad Chart
The multi-cell thermal battery (MCTB) is a device that can recover a large fraction of the thermal energy from heated regolith and
subsequently apply this energy to heat up cool regolith. The individual cells of the MCTB contain a thermal storage media that is
specifically designed for optimal performance at a given temperature range. Each of these cells is charged with thermal energy
from hot regolith that has been used in a lunar ISRU application. Once the MCTB is charged, the heat is transferred from the
battery to newly harvested regolith. In this manner over 85% of the heat can be transferred from the expended to the new
regolith. This is a large improvement especially considering that this reduces the heating requirement to produce 1000 kg of O2
from lunar regolith from an average of 1 kW to only 0.15 kW (assuming 3% O2 recovery by weight). The other irreducible power
consumption of lunar ISRU O2 production is electrolysis which consumes at least 0.3 kW. Hence, using the MCTB decreases the
irreducible power consumption of lunar ISRU by 65 %.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Thermal – Cooling
NASA SBIR Phase I
Company Name
Pioneer Astronautics
11111 W. 8th Avenue, Unit A
Lakewood, CO 80215 - 5516
(303) 980-0890
Title
Counterflow Regolith Heat Exchanger
Contract
Awardee
Center
KSC
Quad Chart
The counterflow regolith heat exchanger (CoRHE) is a device that transfers heat from hot regolith to cold regolith. The CoRHE is
essentially a tube-in-tube heat exchanger with internal and external augers attached to the inner, rotating tube to move the regolith.
Hot regolith in the outer tube is moved in one direction by a right-handed auger and the cool regolith in the inner tube is moved in the
opposite by a left-handed auger attached to the inside of the rotating tube. In this counterflow arrangement a large fraction of the
heat from the expended regolith is transferred to the new regolith. The spent regolith leaves the heat exchanger close to the
temperature of the cold new regolith and the new regolith is pre-heated close to the initial temperature of the spent regolith. Using
the CoRHE can reduce the heating requirement of a lunar ISRU system by 80%, reducing the total power consumption by a factor of
two.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Verification and Validation - Operations Concepts and Requirements
NASA SBIR Phase I
Company Name
Packer Engineering
1950 N. Washington
Naperville, IL 60563-1366
(800) 323-0114
Title
Lunar Oxygen and Silicon Beneficiation
Using Only Solar Power
Contract
Awardee
Center
MSFC
Quad Chart
Element beneficiation from a moving, ionized plasma can be accomplished through the principles of mass spectroscopy. Two US patents
were recently awarded to the PI on a means to separate all isotopes of regolith in a single pass using either a continuous or pulsed operation.
This method of in-situ resource utilization has been studied at a system level, and results published at a national space conference. Phase I
of the proposed work will extend the favorable results obtained so far towards a system-level model of the process suitable for more accurate
computation of performance metrics. Mathematical models of the SiO2 molecule dissociation, ionization, transport and separation will be
derived and applied to the patented apparatuses. Preliminary calculations on silicon extraction indicate the potential for solar cell production
at approximately $6/Watt, a 50 times improvement over other proposed methods of space-based manufacture. We will apply this novel
method of beneficiation to a simultaneous extraction of oxygen and silicon. Key questions to be answered include estimates of the physical
dimensions conducive to efficient extraction (Watts/kg, kg/sec), which will drive system parameters of mirror size, solar power needs (for
magnetrons and chillers), shielding, thermal management and infrastructure. Milestones within the six-month project will be: (1) vaporization,
energy flow and system architecture; (2) addition of self-shielding, double-ionization, three-dimensional considerations and slag rates; (3) inlet
design considerations, multiple molecule separation, and velocity profiling; and (4) composite separation rates and overall tranfer function
characterization. Upon completion of Phase I we will have detailed design equations needed to construct a prototype oxygen extraction unit
during Phase II.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Verification and Validation - Simulation Modeling Environment
NASA SBIR Phase II
Company Name
Grainflow Dynamics, Inc.
1141 Catalina Drive, PMB #270
Livermore, CA 94550 - 5928
(925) 447-4293
Title
High Fidelity Multi-Scale Regolith
Simulation Tool for ISRU
Contract
Awardee
Center
GRC
Quad Chart
NASA has serious unmet needs for simulation tools capable of predicting the behavior of lunar regolith in
proposed excavation, transport and handling systems. Existing discrete element method (DEM) or finite element
(FE) models lack adequate fidelity for fine cohesive powders comprised of friable particles with irregular shapes
and exhibiting substantial bulk dilation upon initial excavation. As such, they are inadequate for assessing the
reliability of regolith excavation and handling systems, and even less so for evaluation of engineering trade-offs
between total system mass, power and energy consumption. Also, current simulation tools do not include the
effects of triboelectric and photo-ionization-induced charges on regolith particles.Building on the successful
Phase-1development of a new charge-patch electrostatic model and a comprehensive cohesive particle
interaction model for DEM, Grainflow Dynamics proposes to develop a high-fidelity predictive calculational tool, in
the form of a DEM module with calibrated interparticle-interaction relationships, coupled with a FE module
utilizing enhanced, calibrated, constitutive models which, together, are capable of mimicking both large
deformations and the flow behavior of regolith simulants and lunar regolith under conditions anticipated in ISRU
operations. This will not only provide unparalleled fidelity but also will leverage the computational efficiency of the
continuum FE codes to drastically reduce the simulation time and resources necessary to perform engineering
analyses on regolith systems. In addition, the modules will be parallelized to maximize their usefulness in multicore and cluster computing environments. This work will lead to an improved engineering design tool that can be
used by NASA engineers and contractors developing designs for ISRU equipment to evaluate both the reliability
of various configurations as well as the trade-offs of system designs.
NTTC Taxonomy
Testing & Evaluation Simulation and Modeling
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Astronautics - Tools/EVA Tools
FC
GRC
Title
Survey of Dust Issues for Lunar Seals and the RESOLVE Project
NTRS
Abstract
Lunar dust poses a technical challenge for sealing applications on the moon. A survey of seals used in Apollo lunar missions is presented as well as
lunar soil characteristics and a description of the lunar environment. Seal requirements and technical challenges for the volatiles characterization
oven and hydrogen reduction reaction chamber of the RESOLVE project are discussed. The purpose of the RESOLVE project is to find water or ice
in lunar soil and demonstrate the ability to produce water, and hence oxygen and hydrogen, from lunar regolith for life support and propellants.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Biological Health/Life Support - Essential Life Resources
FC
GRC
Title
Evaluation of a Stirling Solar Dynamic System for Lunar Oxygen
Production
JSC
Iron-Tolerant Cyanobacteria for Human Habitation beyond Earth
MSFC
Hydrogen Reduction of Ilmenite from Lunar Regolith
JSC
Cyanobacteria for Human Habitation beyond Earth
NTRS
Abstract
An evaluation of a solar concentrator-based system for producing oxygen from the lunar regolith was performed. The system utilizes a
solar concentrator mirror to provide thermal energy for the oxygen production process as well as thermal energy to power a Stirling heat
engine for the production of electricity. The electricity produced is utilized to operate the equipment needed in the oxygen production
process. The oxygen production method utilized in the analysis was the hydrogen reduction of ilmenite. Utilizing this method of oxygen
production a baseline system design was produced. This baseline system had an oxygen production rate of 0.6 kg/hr with a concentrator
mirror size of 5 m. Variations were performed on the baseline design to show how changes in the system size and process rate effected
the oxygen production rate.
In light of the President's Moon/Mars initiative, lunar exploration has once again become a priority for NASA. In order to establish
permanent bases on the Moon and proceed with human exploration of Mars, two key problems will be addressed: first, the production of
O2 and second, the production of methane (CH4). While O2 is required for life support systems (LSS), both liquid O2 and CH4 are needed
as an oxidizer and a propellant, respectively for the Lunar Surface Access Module (LSAM) and the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV). Unlike
previous propulsion systems, the new CEV will use liquid oxygen (LO2) as an oxidizer and liquid methane (LCH4) as a propellant. Existing
technology (e.g. hydrogen reduction) for the production of liquid oxygen from lunar regolith is very energy intensive and requires high
temperature reactors. We propose an alternative approach using iron-tolerant cyanobacteria. We have found that iron-tolerant
cyanobacteria (IT CB) are capable of etching iron-bearing minerals, which may lead to bonds breaking between Fe and O of common lunar
mare basalt Feoxides including ilmenite, pseudobrookite, ferropseudobrookite, and armalcolite with the subsequent release of both Fe, Ti
and oxygen as by-products. We also propose to use CB biomass for CH4 production as carbon stock and a propellant. Both processes can
be accomplished in an energy and cost effective manner because sunlight will be used as an energy source and allows the reactions at
ambient temperatures between 10-60 C. Current evaluations include assessing the thermodynamics of such biogenic reactions using a
variety of nutrients and atmospheric parameters, as well as assessing the rates and species variation effects of the driving reactions.
Each ascent vehicle returning from the lunar surface with a crew vehicle will require several tons of fuel. Most architecture studies of lunar
exploration vehicles use liquid oxygen for fuel, either for LOX/LH2 or LOX/methane. Utilization of oxygen generated on the lunar surface
saves mass launched from Earth, with a multiplication factor on the order of 4-5, e.g. production and utilization of 4 tons of lunar oxygen for
the ascent vehicle saves 16-20 tons of initial mass in low Earth orbit (IMLEO). The paper discusses ongoing MSFC activity on oxygen
production by hydrogen reduction of Ilmenite. Specifically the important project milestone is to develop the Technology Readiness Level for
the generation of lunar oxygen for propellant production from 3 to 5. The paper will provide an overview of the processes for Oxygen
Generation, Complete Systems Architecture for a pilot lunar plant, experimental apparatus development and initial experimental results,
and future directions.
In light of the President s Moon/Mars initiative, lunar exploration has once again become a priority for NASA. In order to establish
permanent bases on the Moon and proceed with human exploration of Mars, two key problems will be addressed: first, the production of
O2 and second, the production of methane (CH4). While O2 is required for life support systems (LSS), both liquid O2 and CH4 are needed
as an oxidizer and a propellant, respectively for the Lunar Surface Access Module (LSAM) and the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV). Unlike
previous propulsion systems, the new CEV will use liquid oxygen (LO2) as an oxidizer and liquid methane (LCH4) as a propellant. Existing
technology (e.g. hydrogen reduction) for the production of liquid oxygen from lunar regolith is very energy intensive and requires high
temperature reactors. We propose an alternative approach using iron-tolerant cyanobacteria. We have found that iron-tolerant
cyanobacteria (IT CB) are capable of etching iron-bearing minerals, which may lead to bonds breaking between Fe and O of common lunar
mare basalt Fe-oxides including ilmenite, pseudobrookite, ferropseudobrookite, and armalcolite with the subsequent release of both Fe, Ti
and oxygen as byproducts. We also propose to use CB biomass for CH4 production as carbon stock and a propellant. Both processes can
be accomplished in an energy and cost effective manner because sunlight will be used as an energy source and allows the reactions at
ambient temperatures between 10-60 C. Current evaluations include assessing the thermodynamics of such biogenic reactions using a
variety of nutrients and atmospheric parameters, as well as assessing the rates and species variation effects of the driving reactions.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Biological Health/Life Support - Essential Life Resources
FC
GRC
Title
Carbothermal Processing of Lunar Regolith Using Methane
MSFC
Process Demonstration For Lunar In Situ Resource UtilizationMolten Oxide Electrolysis (MSFC Independent Research and
Develop
MSFC
Lunar Metal Oxide Electrolysis with Oxygen and Photovoltaic
Array Production Applications
JSC
Generation and delivery device for ozone gas and ozone
dissolved in water
JSC
Generation and delivery device for ozone gas and ozone
dissolved in water
NTRS
Abstract
The processing of lunar regolith for the production of oxygen is a key component of the In-Situ Resource Utilization plans currently being
developed by NASA. Among various candidate processes, the modeling of oxygen production by hydrogen reduction, molten salt
electrolysis, and carbothermal processing are presently being pursued. In the carbothermal process, a portion of the surface of the regolith
in a container is heated by exposure to a heat source such as a laser beam or a concentrated solar heat flux, so that a small zone of
molten regolith is established. The molten zone is surrounded by solid regolith particles that are poor conductors of heat. A continuous flow
of methane is maintained over the molten regolith zone. Our model is based on a mechanism where methane pyrolyzes when it comes in
contact with the surface of the hot molten regolith to form solid carbon and hydrogen gas. Carbon is deposited on the surface of the melt,
and hydrogen is released into the gas stream above the melt surface. We assume that the deposited carbon mixes in the molten regolith
and reacts with metal oxides in a reduction reaction by which gaseous carbon monoxide is liberated. Carbon monoxide bubbles through
the melt and is released into the gas stream. Oxygen is produced subsequently by (catalytically) processing the carbon monoxide
downstream. In this paper, we discuss the development of a chemical conversion model of the carbothermal process to predict the rate of
production of carbon monoxide.
The purpose of this Focus Area Independent Research and Development project was to conduct, at Marshall Space Flight Center, an
experimental demonstration of the processing of simulated lunar resources by the molten oxide electrolysis process to produce oxygen and
metal. In essence, the vision was to develop two key technologies, the first to produce materials (oxygen, metals, and silicon) from lunar
resources and the second to produce energy by photocell production on the Moon using these materials. Together, these two technologies
have the potential to greatly reduce the costs and risks of NASA s human exploration program. Further, it is believed that these
technologies are the key first step toward harvesting abundant materials and energy independent of Earth s resources.
This paper presents the results of a Marshall Space Flight Center funded effort to conduct an experimental demonstration of the
processing of simulated lunar resources by the molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) process to produce oxygen and metal from lunar resources
to support human exploration of space. Oxygen extracted from lunar materials can be used for life support and propellant, and silicon and
metallic elements produced can be used for in situ fabrication of thin-film solar cells for power production. The Moon is rich in mineral
resources, but it is almost devoid of chemical reducing agents, therefore, molten oxide electrolysis, MOE, is chosen for extraction, since
the electron is the most practical reducing agent. MOE was also chosen for following reasons. First, electrolytic processing offers
uncommon versatility in its insensitivity to feedstock composition. Secondly, oxide melts boast the twin key attributes of highest solubilizing
capacity for regolith and lowest volatility of any candidate electrolytes. The former is critical in ensuring high productivity since cell current
is limited by reactant solubility, while the latter simplifies cell design by obviating the need for a gas-tight reactor to contain evaporation
losses as would be the case with a gas or liquid phase fluoride reagent operating at such high temperatures. In the experiments reported
here, melts containing iron oxide were electrolyzed in a low temperature supporting oxide electrolyte (developed by D. Sadoway, MIT). The
production of oxygen and reduced iron were observed. Electrolysis was also performed on the supporting electrolyte with JSC-1 Lunar
Simulant. The cell current for the supporting electrolyte alone is negligible while the current for the electrolyte with JSC-1 shows significant
current and a peak at about -0.6 V indicating reductive reaction in the simulant.
The present invention provides an ozone generation and delivery system that lends itself to small scale applications and requires very low
maintenance. The system includes an anode reservoir and a cathode phase separator each having a hydrophobic membrane to allow
phase separation of produced gases from water. The system may be configured to operate passively with no moving parts or in a selfpressurizing manner with the inclusion of a pressure controlling device or valve in the gas outlet of the anode reservoir. The hydrogen gas,
ozone gas and water containing ozone may be delivered under pressure.
The present invention provides an ozone generation and delivery system that lends itself to small scale applications and requires very low
maintenance. The system preferably includes an anode reservoir and a cathode phase separator each having a hydrophobic membrane to
allow phase separation of produced gases from water. The hydrogen gas, ozone gas and water containing ozone may be delivered under
pressure.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Biological Health/Life Support - Essential Life Resources
FC
MSFC
Title
Processing of Lunar Soil Simulant for Space Exploration
Applications
MSFC
Experimental Demonstration of the Molten Oxide Electrolysis
Method for Oxygen and Iron Production from Simulated Lunar
Materi
NASA
(non Center
Specific)
From Oxygen Generation to Metals Production: In Situ Resource
Utilization by Molten Oxide Electrolysis
MSFC
Processing of Lunar Soil Simulant for Space Exploration
Applications
NTRS
Abstract
NASA's long-term vision for space exploration includes developing human habitats and conducting scientific investigations on planetary
bodies, especially on Moon and Mars. To reduce the level of up-mass processing and utilization of planetary in-situ resources is
recognized as an important element of this vision. Within this scope and context, we have undertaken a general effort aimed primarily at
extracting and refining metals, developing glass, glass-ceramic, or traditional ceramic type materials using lunar soil simulants. In this
paper we will present preliminary results on our effort on carbothermal reduction of oxides for elemental extraction and zone refining for
obtaining high purity metals. In additions we will demonstrate the possibility of developing glasses from lunar soil simulant for fixing nuclear
waste from potential nuclear power generators on planetary bodies. Compositional analysis, x-ray diffraction patterns and differential
thermal analysis of processed samples will be presented.
This paper presents the results of a Marshall Space Flight Center funded effort to conduct an experimental demonstration of the
processing of simulated lunar resources by the molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) process to produce oxygen and metal from lunar resources
to support human exploration of space. Oxygen extracted from lunar materials can be used for life support and propellant, and silicon and
metallic elements produced can be used for in situ fabrication of thin-film solar cells for power production. The Moon is rich in mineral
resources, but it is almost devoid of chemical reducing agents, therefore, molten oxide electrolysis, MOE, is chosen for extraction, since
the electron is the most practical reducing agent. MOE was also chosen for following reasons. First, electrolytic processing offers
uncommon versatility in its insensitivity to feedstock composition. Secondly, oxide melts boast the twin key attributes of highest solubilizing
capacity for regolith and lowest volatility of any candidate electrolytes. The former is critical in ensuring high productivity since cell current
is limited by reactant solubility, while the latter simplifies cell design by obviating the need for a gas-tight reactor to contain evaporation
losses as would be the case with a gas or liquid phase fluoride reagent operating at such high temperatures. In the experiments reported
here, melts containing iron oxide were electrolyzed in a low temperature supporting oxide electrolyte (developed by D. Sadoway, MIT).
For the exploration of other bodies in the solar system, electrochemical processing is arguably the most versatile technology for conversion
of local resources into usable commodities: by electrolysis one can, in principle, produce (1) breathable oxygen, (2) silicon for the
fabrication of solar cells, (3) various reactive metals for use as electrodes in advanced storage batteries, and (4) structural metals such as
steel and aluminum. Even so, to date there has been no sustained effort to develop such processes, in part due to the inadequacy of the
database. The objective here is to identify chemistries capable of sustaining molten oxide electrolysis in the cited applications and to
examine the behavior of laboratory-scale cells designed to generate oxygen and to produce metal. The basic research includes the study
of the underlying high-temperature physical chemistry of oxide melts representative of lunar regolith and of Martian soil. To move beyond
empirical approaches to process development, the thermodynamic and transport properties of oxide melts are being studied to help set the
limits of composition and temperature for the processing trials conducted in laboratory-scale electrolysis cells. The goal of this investigation
is to deliver a working prototype cell that can use lunar regolith and Martian soil to produce breathable oxygen along with metal by-product.
Additionally, the process can be generalized to permit adaptation to accommodate different feedstock chemistries, such as those that will
be encountered on other bodies in the solar system. The expected results of this research include: (1) the identification of appropriate
electrolyte chemistries; (2) the selection of candidate anode and cathode materials compatible with electrolytes named above; and (3)
performance data from a laboratory-scale cell producing oxygen and metal. On the strength of these results it should be possible to assess
the technical viability of molten oxide electrolysis for in situ resource utilization on the Moon and Mars. In parallel, there may be commercial
applications here on earth, such as new green technologies for metals extraction and for treatment of hazardous waste, e.g., fixing heavy
metals.
NASA's long-term vision for space exploration includes developing human habitats and conducting scientific investigations on planetary
bodies, especially on Moon and Mars. Processing and utilization of planetary in-situ resources is recognized as an important element of
this vision since it can minimize the level of up-mass that will have to be transported from earth to the planetary bodies. Within this scope
and context, we have undertaken a general effort aimed primarily at extracting and refining metals, developing glass, glass-ceramic, or
traditional ceramic type materials using lunar soil simulants. In this paper we will present preliminary results on our effort on simultaneous
carbothermal reduction of oxides for elemental extraction and zone refining for obtaining high purity metals. In additions we will
demonstrate the possibility of developing glass fibers as reinforcement agents for planetary habitat construction, glasses for fixing nuclear
waste from potential nuclear power generators, and glasses for magnetic applications. The paper will also include initial thermal
characterization of the glasses produced from lunar simulant. Compositional analysis of processed samples will be presented.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Electronics – Material
U.S. Patent Applications
Patent Number
Title
Assignee
Abstract
US2009000425A1
Graphite Electrode for Electrothermic Reduction Furnaces,
Electrode Column, and Method of Producing Graphite Electrodes
SGL Carbon AG
A graphite electrode for an electrothermic reduction furnace is formed from anode grade coke and graphitized at a
graphitization temperature below 2700&deg; C. The resulting electrode is particularly suited for carbothermal reduction of
alumina. It has an iron content of about 0.05% by weight, a specific electrical resistivity of above 5 muOhm.m, and a
thermal conductivity of less than 150 W/m.K. The graphite electrode is manufactured by first mixing calcined anode coke
with a coal-tar pitch binder, and a green electrode is formed from the mixture at a temperature close to the softening
point of the pitch binder. The green electrode is then baked to carbonize the pitch binder to solid coke. The resultant
carbonized electrode, after further optional processing is then graphitized at a temperature below 2700&deg; C. for a
time sufficient to cause the carbon atoms in the carbonized electrode to organize into the crystalline structure of graphite.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Energy – Conversion
USPTO
Patent
Number
US7446329
Title
Assignee
Abstract
Erosion resistance of EUV source electrodes
Intel Corporation
Erosion of material in an electrode in a plasma-produced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light source may be reduced by
treating the surface of the electrode. Grooves may be provided in the electrode surface to increase re-deposition of
electrode material in the grooves. The electrode surface may be coated with a porous material to reduce erosion due
to brittle destruction. The electrode surface may be coated with a pseudo-alloy to reduce erosion from surface waves
caused by the plasma in molten material on the surface of the electrode.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Manufacturing - In-situ Manufacturing
USPTO
Patent
Number
US6511526
Title
Assignee
Abstract
Pressure swing adsorption gas separation method
and apparatus
VBOX, Incorporated
The present invention is a gas separator for separating a gas mixture into a product gas. The gas separator has an
adsorbent bed including a separation chamber with first and second ports and a molecular sieve material contained in the
separation chamber. A first pumping chamber is connected to the first port. A first valve regulates a flow of the gas mixture
between the first port and the first pumping chamber. A first piston is located in the first pumping chamber. A second
pumping chamber is connected to the second port. A second valve regulates a flow of the product gas between the second
port and the second pumping chamber. A second piston is located in the second pumping chamber. A drive system
coordinates operation of the first and second pistons and the first and second valves in a cycle including a pressurization
stage, a gas shift stage, and a depressurization stage.
US6630113
Methods and apparatus for treating waste
Integrated Environmental
Technologies, LLC
Methods and apparatus for treating waste are provided. Waste is converted in an arc plasma-joule heated melter system
utilizing one or more arc plasma electrodes and a plurality of joule heating electrodes. The arc plasma electrode(s) can be
configured for operation utilizing AC or DC power, or for switching between AC and DC power. The arc plasma electrodes
can also be configured for independent arc voltage and arc current control. The joule heating circuits are configured for
simultaneous operation with the arcing electrodes, but without detrimental interaction with the arcing electrodes. The
systems provide stable, non-leachable products and a gaseous fuel. The gaseous fuel can be utilized in a combustion or
non-combustion process to generate electricity.
US7250074
Process for separating nitrogen from methane using
microchannel process technology
Velocys, Inc.
The disclosed invention relates to a process for separating methane or nitrogen from a fluid mixture comprising methane
and nitrogen, the process comprising: (A) flowing the fluid mixture into a microchannel separator, the microchannel
separator comprising a plurality of process microchannels containing a sorption medium, the fluid mixture being maintained
in the microchannel separator until at least part of the methane or nitrogen is sorbed by the sorption medium, and removing
non-sorbed parts of the fluid mixture from the microchannel separator; and (B) desorbing the methane or nitrogen from the
sorption medium and removing the desorbed methane or nitrogen from the microchannel separator. The process is
suitable for upgrading methane from coal mines, landfills, and other sub-quality sources.
US7314504
Porous gas permeable material for gas separation
Gas Separation Technology,
Inc.
A gas separator, a method for producing the gas separator, and a method for separating gases based on a property of
inelasticity of the gases. The inventive gas separator is a permeable porous material for separating a mixture of gases by
selectable pore size exclusion, comprising pores formed with at least one nanostructured compound. In other words, the
inventive porous material can be used to separate a mixture of gases based upon the different working diameter of each of
the gases. By selecting specific nanostructured compounds, the porous material can be tailored to contain pores of a
predetermined size which allow gases having a working diameter smaller than the size of the pores to pass through the
material while preventing the passage of gases having a working diameter greater than the size of the pores.
US7318858
Gas separator for providing an oxygen-enriched
stream
Parsa Investment, L.P.
A system for separating oxygen from air operates at a pressure less than atmospheric. The oxygen separation system
includes an entry port for ambient air, and at least two separate exhaust ports through which separate exhaust streams are
drawn by separate suction sources. The oxygen separation system further includes a low-energy ionization portion that
favors creation of molecular oxygen ions, and a higher-energy portion disposed between the ionization portion and one of
the exhaust ports. A plurality of gas-permeable electrodes are charged to different voltages to provide the different portions
inside the separator. An exhaust stream taken from the anode side of the separator is enriched in oxygen relative to
ambient air.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Manufacturing - In-situ Manufacturing
U.S. Patent Applications
Patent Number
Title
US2008003133A1
Apparatus and method for in-situ microwave consolidation of
planetary materials containing nano-sized metallic iron particles
An apparatus and method for on-site microwave consolidation of planetary regolith, soil and dust is disclosed. Such
particulate materials may be converted into useful products such as roadways and other construction materials. In one
embodiment, a portable microwave generator and waveguide system is used to generate and direct microwaves to a
lunar surface containing fine iron-containing particles to sinter and/or melt the particles. The portable system may be
provided in the form of a lunar paver with a single or multiple waveguides arranged to direct sufficient microwave
energy to the lunar surface to heat, sinter, melt, or otherwise consolidate the lunar soil into a solid mass suitable for use
as a road or path. Other applications of this in-situ microwave heating process include the release of solar-wind
implanted gases, extraction of polar water-ice, and production of oxygen.
US2008023321A1
Apparatus for electrolysis of molten oxides
The invention provides improved electrodes for electrolytic cells operating with molten salt electrolytes.
Nonconsumable iridium-based anodes of the invention facilitate the release of gaseous oxygen from oxide-containing
melts, for example in the electro-chemical production of liquid or gaseous reactive metals from oxides. Cathode
substrates of the invention are constructed of a tungsten-based alloy and enable deposition of an overlying liquid-metal
cathode. Incorporation of the anode and cathode substrate of the invention into molten-oxide cells establishes a novel
method for electrolytic extraction of titanium and other reactive metals.
US2009043141A1
Oxidative coupling of methane
Assignee
Velocys, Inc.
Abstract
A microchannel apparatus comprising a conduit including a microchannel mixing section, a microchannel reaction
section, a microchannel heat transfer section, and a separation section, where the microchannel mixing section
includes direct injection inlets, where the microchannel mixing section is downstream from the reaction section, and
where the separation section is downstream from the reaction section. Further exemplary embodiments are also
disclosed.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Manufacturing - In-situ Manufacturing
FC
MSFC
Title
Molten Materials Transfer and Handling on the Lunar Surface
MSFC
In Situ Resource Utilization Technology Research and Facilities
Supporting the NASA's Human Systems Research and Technology
Life Support Program
JSC
In-situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) to Support the Lunar Outpost and
the Rationale for Precursor Missions
GSFC
Vacuum Pyrolysis and Related ISRU Techniques
NTRS
Abstract
Electrolytic reduction processes as a means to provide pure elements for lunar resource utilization have many advantages. Such processes
have. the potential of removing all the oxygen from the lunar soil for use in life support and for propellant. Electrochemical reduction also
provides a direct path for the. production of pure metals and silicon which can be utilized for in situ manufacturing and power production.
Some of the challenges encountered in the electrolytic reduction processes include the feeding of the electrolytic cell (the transfer of
electrolyte containing lunar soil), the withdrawal of reactants and refined products such as the liquidironsiliconalloy with a number of
impurities, and the spent regolith slag, produced in the hot electrolytic cell for the reduction of lunar regolith. The paper will discuss some of
the possible solutions to the challenges of handling molten materials on the lunar surface, as well as the path toward the construction and
testing of a proof-of-concept facility.
The NASA Microgravity Science program has transitioned research required in support of NASA s Vision for Space Exploration. Research
disciplines including the Materials Science, Fluid Physics and Combustion Science are now being applied toward projects with application in
the planetary utilization and transformation of space resources. The scientific and engineering competencies and infrastructure in these
traditional fields developed at multiple s and by external research partners provide essential capabilities to support the agency s new
exploration thrusts including In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). Among the technologies essential to human space exploration, the
production of life support consumables, especially oxygen and; radiation shielding; and the harvesting of potentially available water are
realistically achieved for long-duration crewed missions only through the use of ISRU. Ongoing research in the physical sciences have
produced a body of knowledge relevant to the extraction of oxygen from lunar and planetary regolith and associated reduction of metals and
silicon for use meeting manufacturing and repair requirements. Activities being conducted and facilities used in support of various ISRU
projects at the Glenn Research Center and Marshall Space Flight Center will be described. The presentation will inform the community of
these new research capabilities, opportunities, and challenges to utilize their materials, fluids and combustion science expertise and
capabilities to support the vision for space exploration.
One of the ways that the Constellation Program can differ from Apollo is to employ a live-off-the-land or In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)
supported architecture. The options considered over the past decades for using indigenous materials have varied considerably in terms of
what resources to attempt to acquire, how much to acquire, and what the motivations are to acquiring these resources. The latest NASA
concepts for supporting the lunar outpost have considered many of these plans and compared these options to customers requirements and
desires. Depending on the architecture employed, ISRU technologies can make a significant contribution towards a sustainable and
affordable lunar outpost. While extensive ground testing will reduce some mission risk, one or more flight demonstrations prior to the first
crew's arrival will build confidence and increase the chance that outpost architects will include ISRU as part of the early outpost architecture.
This presentation includes some of the options for using ISRU that are under consideration for the lunar outpost, the precursor missions that
would support these applications, and a notional timeline to allow the lessons learned from the precursor missions to support outpost
hardware designs.
A number of ISRU-related techniques have been developed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The focus of the team has been on
development of the vacuum pyrolysis technique for the production of oxygen from the lunar regolith. However, a number of related
techniques have also been developed, including solar concentration, solar heating of regolith, resistive heating of regolith, sintering, regolith
boiling, process modeling, parts manufacturing, and instrumentation development. An initial prototype system was developed to vaporize
regolith simulants using a approx. l square meter Fresnel lens. This system was successfully used to vaporize quantities of approx. lg, and
both mass spectroscopy of the gasses produced and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of the slag were done to show that oxygen was
produced. Subsequent tests have demonstrated the use of a larger system With a 3.8m diameter reflective mirror to vaporize the regolith.
These results and modeling of the vacuum pyrolysis reaction have indicated that the vaporization of the oxides in the regolith will occur at
lower temperature for stronger vacuums. The chemical modeling was validated by testing of a resistive heating system that vaporized
quantities of approx. 10g of MLS-1A. This system was also used to demonstrate the sintering of regolith simulants at reduced temperatures
in high vacuum. This reduction in the required temperature prompted the development of a small-scale resistive heating system for
application as a scientific instrument as well as a proof-of principle experiment for oxygen production.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Manufacturing – Packaging
U.S. Patent Applications
Patent Number
Title
Assignee
Abstract
US2005072028A1
Method and device for air-assisted moving of soil in an
earth moving apparatus
MISKIN MARK R.
Devices and methods for air-assisted loading of soil in an earth-moving apparatus are disclosed. One aspect of a device
includes a source of a current of air and at least one conduit for directing the current of air towards soil moved by the earthmoving apparatus. The device is configured to be operatively connected to the earth-moving apparatus. An earth-moving
apparatus is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame having opposing sides, supported by at least two groundengaging wheels, and a bucket having a floor and a pair of upstanding sidewalls. A cutting blade may be attached to the
bucket or disposed between the opposing sides of the frame. An air supply system for delivering a current of air to soil moved
by the earth-moving apparatus is also included. Methods for loading soil into an earth-moving apparatus are also disclosed.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Mechanical Systems - Machines/Mechanical Subsystems
WIPO
Patent Number
Title
Assignee
Abstract
WO05067366A2
SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR SUSPENSION SMELTING
FURNACE
OUTOKUMPU OYJ
A supply system for providing a suspension smelting furnace with constant and continuous feed is disclosed. The
installation of the invention comprises intermediate storage bins for fine-grained feed, a feed rate controller for accurately
controlling the feed rate of the fine-grained material, and a pneumatic conveyor for lifting the feed up to the top level of the
suspension smelting furnace where the burner of the furnace is adapted. In the installation, the heavy constructions of the
storage bins are located close to the ground level and the constructions around and on top of the furnace have been
designed essentially lighter than in conventional solutions.
WO06094370A1
PRESSURIZED LOADING SYSTEM FOR BLAST
FURNACES
FURTADO JOSE
MAXIMIANO
The present invention concerns a pressurized loading system for blast furnaces by feeding solid particles by means of
conventional belt or pipe belt conveyors (42) directly at the top of the furnace. The loading system including stock silos (19
- 24) and valves (13 - 18, 25 - 30) is dislocated from the top of the furnace to the plant floor leaving there only the rotating
and seesawing system (48,51 ,52) for the distribution of the solid particles and the safety devices (55). The whole plant is
kept at the same pressure as the furnace employing a special piping system (31 - 33). The stock silos (19 - 24) can be
charged and discharged alternatingly by automatic operating of the valves (13 - 18, 25 - 30). Charging of the stock silos is
effected by reversible belt conveyors (4 - 6). The whole system guarantees leak-tightness and the prevention of air
pollution.
WO2007034289A1
CONVEYOR BELT WITH OVERLAPPING PLANAR
SURFACE PLATES
MAGALDI POWER S.P.A.
The present invention is about an innovative metallic conveyor belt, comprising a metallic net traction element individually
supporting a plurality of partially overlapping plates, in such a way to form a continuous planar surface belt that can be of
considerable reliability and can be so much sturdy as to resist extreme mechanical and thermal stress. The load bearing
planar surface and the absence of vibrations make it a suitable working plane for a plurality of uses, such as the
separation by means of one or more deviators and/or channels of different materials or objects, and the transport without
shakes of high temperature material, such as mould parts.
WO2008045165A3
IN-LINE FURNACE CONVEYORS WITH
INTEGRATED WAFER RETAINERS
SUNPOWER
CORPORATION
In one embodiment, an in-line furnace includes a continuous conveyor (152) configured to hold wafers (101) at an angle
relative to ground. The conveyor may have fixedly integrated wafer retainers (231) configured to hold the wafers (101) in
slots. The conveyor (152) may be formed by several segments (202) that are joined together. Each of the segments (202)
may include a base (232) and a set of wafer retainers (231) formed thereon. The conveyor (152) may be driven to move
the wafers (101) through a chamber of the furnace, where the wafers (101) are thermally processed.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Mechanical Systems - Machines/Mechanical Subsystems
FC
GRC
Title
Excavation on the Moon: Regolith Collection for Oxygen
Production and Outpost Site Preparation
GRC
Cratos: A Simple Low Power Excavation and Hauling System for
Lunar Oxygen Production and General Excavation Tasks
NTRS
Abstract
The development of a robust regolith moving system for lunar and planetary processing and construction is critical to the NASA mission to the Moon
and Mars. Oxygen production may require up to 200 metric tons of regolith collection per year; outpost site development may require several times
this amount. This paper describes progress in the small vehicle implement development and small excavation system development. Cratos was
developed as a platform for the ISRU project to evaluate the performance characteristics of a low center of gravity, small (0.75m x 0.75m x 0.3m),
low-power, tracked vehicle performing excavation, load, haul, and dump operations required for lunar ISRU. It was tested on loose sand in a facility
capable of producing level and inclined surfaces, and demonstrated the capability to pick up, carry, and dump sand, allowing it to accomplish the
delivery of material to a site. Cratos has demonstrated the capability to pick up and deliver simulant to a bury an inflatable habitat, to supply an
oxygen production plant, and to build a ramp.
The development of a robust excavating and hauling system for lunar and planetary excavation is critical to the NASA mission to the Moon and
Mars. Cratos was developed as a low center of gravity, small (.75m x .75m x 0.3m), low power tracked test vehicle. The vehicle was modified to
excavate and haul because it demonstrated good performance capabilities in a laboratory and field testing. Tested on loose sand in the SLOPE
facility, the vehicle was able to pick up, carry, and dump sand, allowing it to accomplish the standard requirements delivery of material to a lunar
oxygen production site. Cratos can pick up and deliver raw material to a production plant, as well as deliver spent tailings to a disposal site. The
vehicle can complete many other In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) excavation chores and in conjunction with another vehicle or with additional
attachments may be able to accomplish all needed ISRU tasks.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Testing & Evaluation - Simulation & Modeling
FC
GRC
Title
Lunar Dust Simulant in Mechanical Component Testing - Paradigm and
Practicality
MSFC
Comparison of Morphologies of Apollo 17 Dust Particles with Lunar Simulant,
JSC-1
GRC
Analysis of Thermal and Reaction Times for Hydrogen Reduction of Lunar
Regolith
NTRS
Abstract
Due to the uniquely harsh lunar surface environment, terrestrial test activities may not adequately represent abrasive wear by lunar dust
likely to be experienced in mechanical systems used in lunar exploration. Testing to identify potential moving mechanism problems has
recently begun within the NASA Engineering and Safety Center Mechanical Systems Lunar Dust Assessment activity in coordination with
the Exploration Technology and Development Program Dust Management Project, and these complimentary efforts will be described.
Specific concerns about differences between simulant and lunar dust, and procedures for mechanical component testing with lunar simulant
will be considered. In preparing for long term operations within a dusty lunar environment, the three fundamental approaches to keeping
mechanical equipment functioning are dust avoidance, dust removal, and dust tolerance, with some combination of the three likely to be
found in most engineering designs. Methods to exclude dust from contact with mechanical components would constitute mitigation by dust
avoidance, so testing seals for dust exclusion efficacy as a function of particle size provides useful information for mechanism design. Dust
of particle size less than a micron is not well documented for impact on lunar mechanical components. Therefore, creating a standardized
lunar dust simulant in the particulate size range of ca. 0.1 to 1.0 micrometer is useful for testing effects on mechanical components such as
bearings, gears, seals, bushings, and other moving mechanical assemblies. Approaching actual wear testing of mechanical components, it
is beneficial to first establish relative wear rates caused by dust on commonly used mechanical component materials. The wear mode due to
dust within mechanical components, such as abrasion caused by dust in grease(s), needs to be considered, as well as the effects of
vacuum, lunar thermal cycle, and electrostatics on wear rate.
Lunar dust (&lt; 20 microns) makes up approx.20 wt. of the lunar soil. Because of the abrasive and adhering nature of lunar soil, a detailed
knowledge of the morphology (size, shape and abundance) of lunar dust is important for dust mitigation on the Moon. This represents a
critical step towards the establishment of long-term human presence on the Moon (Taylor et al. 2005). Machinery design for in-situ resource
utilization (ISRU) on the Moon also requires detailed information on dust morphology and general physical/chemical characteristics. Here,
we report a morphological study of Apollo 17 dust sample 70051 and compare it to lunar soil stimulant, JSC-1. W e have obtained SEM
images of dust grains from sample 70051 soil (Fig. 1). The dust grains imaged are composed of fragments of minerals, rocks, agglutinates
and glass. Most particles consist largely of agglutinitic impact glass with their typical vesicular textures (fine bubbles). All grains show subangular to angular shapes, commonly with sharp edges, common for crushed glass fragments. There are mainly four textures: (1) ropeytextured pieces (typical for agglutinates), (2) angular shards, (3) blocky bits, and (4) Swiss-cheese grains. This last type with its high
concentration of submicron bubbles, occurs on all scales. Submicron cracks are also present in most grains. Dust-sized grains of lunar soil
simulant, JSC-1, were also studied. JSC-1 is a basaltic tuff with relatively high glass content (approx.50; McKay et al. 1994). It was initially
chosen in the early 90s to approximate the geotechnical properties of the average lunar soil (Klosky et al. 1996). JSC-1 dust grains also
show angular blocky and shard textures (Fig. 2), similar to those of lunar dust. However, the JSC-1 grains lack the Swiss-cheese textured
particles, as well as submicron cracks and bubbles in most grains.
System analysis of oxygen production by hydrogen reduction of lunar regolith has shown the importance of the relative time scales for
regolith heating and chemical reaction to overall performance. These values determine the sizing and power requirements of the system and
also impact the number and operational phasing of reaction chambers. In this paper, a Nusselt number correlation analysis is performed to
determine the heat transfer rates and regolith heat up times in a fluidized bed reactor heated by a central heating element (e.g., a resistively
heated rod, or a solar concentrator heat pipe). A coupled chemical and transport model has also been developed for the chemical reduction
of regolith by a continuous flow of hydrogen. The regolith conversion occurs on the surfaces of and within the regolith particles. Several
important quantities are identified as a result of the above analyses. Reactor scale parameters include the void fraction (i.e., the fraction of
the reactor volume not occupied by the regolith particles) and the residence time of hydrogen in the reactor. Particle scale quantities include
the particle Reynolds number, the Archimedes number, and the time needed for hydrogen to diffuse into the pores of the regolith particles.
The analysis is used to determine the heat up and reaction times and its application to NASA s oxygen production system modeling tool is
noted.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Testing & Evaluation - Simulation & Modeling
FC
GRC
Title
Development of a Reactor Model for Chemical Conversion of Lunar Regolith
NTRS
Abstract
Lunar regolith will be used for a variety of purposes such as oxygen and propellant production and manufacture of various materials. The
design and development of chemical conversion reactors for processing lunar regolith will require an understanding of the coupling among
the chemical, mass and energy transport processes occurring at the length and time scales of the overall reactor with those occurring at the
corresponding scales of the regolith particles. To this end, a coupled transport model is developed using, as an example, the reduction of
ilmenite-containing regolith by a continuous flow of hydrogen in a flow-through reactor. The ilmenite conversion occurs on the surface and
within the regolith particles. As the ilmenite reduction proceeds, the hydrogen in the reactor is consumed, and this, in turn, affects the
conversion rate of the ilmenite in the particles. Several important quantities are identified as a result of the analysis. Reactor scale
parameters include the void fraction (i.e., the fraction of the reactor volume not occupied by the regolith particles) and the residence time of
hydrogen in the reactor. Particle scale quantities include the time for hydrogen to diffuse into the pores of the regolith particles and the
chemical reaction time. The paper investigates the relationships between these quantities and their impact on the regolith conversion.
Application of the model to various chemical reactor types, such as fluidized-bed, packed-bed, and rotary-bed configurations, are discussed.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Thermal Management & Control - Active Systems
USPTO
Patent Number
Title
Assignee
Abstract
US6562101
Processing electric arc furnace dust through a
basic oxygen furnace
Heritage Environmental
Services, LLC
Methods and apparatus for processing electric arc furnace ("EAF") dust through a basic oxygen furnace (BOF) to recover iron value
from the EAF dust and concentrate zinc from the EAF dust into a material useful as a feed in zinc manufacturing processes. The
method results in the reduction of the burden for the regulatory tracking of EAF dust. In addition, the method provides economic
savings which result from the reduction of processing fees and the recovery of the value of iron and zinc materials. The apparatus
involves the use of existing equipment that is used to recover iron value from other materials generated at steel making facilities, or
the installation of new equipment for the purpose of iron reuse.
US6910432
Selective oxygen enrichment in slagging cyclone
combustors
Air Products and
Chemicals, Inc.
A method for combusting a fuel in a cyclone combustor having a burner and a barrel includes: feeding a stream of the fuel into the
barrel at the burner end of the barrel; feeding a stream(s) of a first oxidant (e.g., air) having a first oxygen concentration into the barrel
at a first flowrate, the stream(s) of the first oxidant including a predominant stream; feeding a stream(s) of a second oxidant (e.g.,
oxygen) having a second oxygen concentration into the barrel at a second flowrate and in a selective manner, whereby a portion of
the first oxidant combines with a portion of the second oxidant, thereby forming a combined oxidant having a combined oxygen
concentration, and a portion of the first oxidant from the predominant stream continues having the first oxygen concentration; and
combusting a portion of the fuel with a portion of the combined oxidant in the barrel.
US7150627
Transported material heating with controlled
atmosphere
GAUR
SIDDHARTHA|BANSAL
VIBHA
A tunnel oven for heating transported carbonaceous materials includes an enclosure having a passage and a transport device for
moving solid carbonaceous materials through and along a length of the passage. A direct convection heater is operably connected to
the enclosure to heat the solid carbonaceous material as the material is moved along the length of the passage. A temperature
controller is operably coupled to the heater to provide one or more selected temperatures along the length of the passage. An
atmosphere controller controls the heating atmosphere along the length of the passage so that the surface of the solid carbonaceous
material is protected against oxidation.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Thermal Management & Control - Active Systems
U.S. Patent Applications
Patent Number
Title
Assignee
Abstract
US2009020048A1
METHOD FOR REDUCING NITROGEN OXIDE ON THE
PRIMARY SIDE IN A TWO-STAGE COMBUSTION PROCESS
FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM
KARLSRUHE GMBH
Method of reducing the nitrogen oxide formation (NOx) on the primary side and of at the same time avoiding the
formation of nitrous oxide (N2O) and ammonia slip (NH3) in the exhaust gas of a two-stage combustion process
and of improving the slag balance, comprising a fixed-bed burn-out zone, through which an oxygenous primary
gas flows, above a fuel bed and a downstream exhaust-gas burn-out zone into which oxygenous secondary gas is
additionally introduced. The object is to propose a simple and reliably controllable method for reducing nitrogen
oxide formation on the primary side in combustion plants, for example grate combustion plants, with considerably
higher efficiency, wherein no additional pollutants are produced or the utilization of the energy of the heat content
of the combustion gases is only marginally impaired. The object is achieved in that the calorific value of the
exhaust gas between the fuel bed surface and upstream of the exhaust-gas burn-out zone is reduced in such a
way that an average calorific value of less than 1 MJ/m3 occurs, and the temperature of the fuel bed surface is at
least 950&deg; C. until the exhaust gas leaves the exhaust-gas burn-out zone, and the gas temperature above the
fuel bed in the region of the rear grate half is more than 1000&deg; C.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Thermal Management & Control - Active Systems
WIPO
Patent Number
Title
Assignee
Abstract
WO2008052493A1
COMPACT FAN, COMPRISING A HEAT EXCHANGER
WITH INTEGRATED OR ATTACHED VENTILATORS
BACHMAIER JOSEF
WO2008119331A3
CARBOTHERMAL REDUCTION METHOD AND DEVICE
FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD
SOLMIC GMBH
The invention relates to a coiled heat exchanger (WT), which has 360&deg; channels (K1 - K6) following one after the
other from the inside to the outside, wherein the first exchange medium (A) is admitted to the first channel and the
second exchange medium (B) is admitted to the following channel in countercurrent, with some open and some closed
annular passages, which form annular elements for the inflow and outflow of the exchange media (A, B) in such a way
that lying approximately opposite an open sector of the annulus on one side of the heat exchanger there is a closed
sector of the annulus on the other side of the heat exchanger and that the media flows (A, B) are thereby brought
together at the extreme ends with the aid of segmental distributor caps (AK, AbK). It is proposed that, by attaching
and/or integrating suitable feeding equipment, in particular ventilators (RLK, RLWK), pumps or feed membranes, and
by means of routing the channels in the covers or adapters in such a way as to match the segmental connection areas
of the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger (WT) is formed as a compact unit, in particular for air-to-air heat exchange
in a device for controlled building ventilation with heat recovery.
The invention relates to a carbothermal reduction method, wherein a product is obtained from a first feed material and
carbon by way of carbothermal reduction in a crucible (30), a reactant being added (10) to the material mixture (36)
contained in the crucible (30) at least at times during the carbothermal reduction, said reactant reacting with at least
one impurity, that is contained in the first feed material (36) or the carbon (36), in such a manner that the impurity is
converted to a gaseous compound (44). The invention also relates to devices for carrying out said method.
WO2009020890A1
METHOD OF PRODUCING METALS AND ALLOYS BY
CARBOTHERMAL REDUCTION OF METAL OXIDES
DOW CORNING
CORPORATION
A method of producing metals and alloys, the method comprising heating raw materials comprising at least one metal
oxide, and agglomerates comprising a carbonaceous reducing agent and a cured binder to effect reduction of the metal
oxide to the metal, wherein each agglomerate has at least one molded open channel, and an apparent density not
greater than 99% of the apparent density of an identical agglomerate except without the channel.
Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
Thermal Management & Control - Active Systems
FC
MSFC
Title
Microwave Extraction of Lunar Water for Rocket Fuel
GRC
Lunar Resource Utilization: Development of a Reactor for Volatile
Extraction from Regolith
NTRS
Abstract
Nearly 50% of the lunar surface is oxygen, present as oxides in silicate rocks and soil. Methods for reduction of these oxides could liberate the
oxygen. Remote sensing has provided evidence of significant quantities of hydrogen possibly indicating hundreds of millions of metric tons, MT, of
water at the lunar poles. If the presence of lunar water is verified, water is likely to be the first in situ resource exploited for human exploration and
for LOX-H2 rocket fuel. In-Situ lunar resources offer unique advantages for space operations. Each unit of product produced on the lunar surface
represents 6 units that need not to be launched into LEO. Previous studies have indicated the economic advantage of LOX for space tugs from
LEO to GEO. Use of lunar derived LOX in a reusable lunar lander would greatly reduce the LEO mass required for a given payload to the moon.
And Lunar LOX transported to L2 has unique advantages for a Mars mission. Several methods exist for extraction of oxygen from the soil. But,
extraction of lunar water has several significant advantages. Microwave heating of lunar permafrost has additional important advantages for water
extraction. Microwaves penetrate and heat from within not just at the surface and excavation is not required. Proof of concept experiments using a
moon in a bottle concept have demonstrated that microwave processing of cryogenic lunar permafrost simulant in a vacuum rapidly and efficiently
extracts water by sublimation. A prototype lunar water extraction rover was built and tested for heating of simulant. Microwave power was very
efficiently delivered into a simulated lunar soil. Microwave dielectric properties (complex electric permittivity and magnetic permeability) of lunar
regolith simulant, JSC-1A, were measured down to cryogenic temperatures and above room temperature. The microwave penetration has been
correlated with the measured dielectric properties. Since the microwave penetration depth is a function of temperature and frequency, an
extraction system can be designed for water removal from different depths.
The extraction and processing of planetary resources into useful products, known as In- Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), will have a profound
impact on the future of planetary exploration. One such effort is the RESOLVE (Regolith and Environment Science, Oxygen and Lunar Volatiles
Extraction) Project, which aims to extract and quantify these resources. As part of the first Engineering Breadboard Unit, the Regolith Volatiles
Characterization (RVC) reactor was designed and built at the NASA Glenn Research Center. By heating and agitating the lunar regolith, loosely
bound volatiles, such as hydrogen and water, are released and stored in the reactor for later analysis and collection. Intended for operation on a
robotic rover, the reactor features a lightweight, compact design, easy loading and unloading of the regolith, and uniform heating of the regolith by
means of vibrofluidization. The reactor performance was demonstrated using regolith simulant, JSC1, with favorable results.