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  • A systems-level approach to extracting oxygen from lunar regolith via Molten Regolith Electrolysis.

    Paper number

    IAC-22,A3,IPB,4,x69869

    Author

    Dr. Kirby Runyon, United States, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

    Coauthor

    Dr. Ben Bussey, United States, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

    Coauthor

    Dr. Wesley Fuhrman, United States, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

    Coauthor

    Dr. Jodi Berdis, United States, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

    Coauthor

    Ms. Brenda Clyde, United States, The John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

    Coauthor

    Dr. Karl Hibbitts, United States, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

    Coauthor

    Mr. Robert Summers, United States, The John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

    Year

    2022

    Abstract
    Molten Regolith Electrolysis (MRE) refers to the process by which lunar regolith is melted, and then electrolyzed, to produce oxygen and metals (Schreiner 2015, Sibille et al. 2019, Sadoway et al. 2019). With oxygen accounting for ~80% of the mass of rocket propellant, MRE is a potential technology for extracting this valuable resource in-situ from the lunar regolith. MRE requires no consumables beyond regolith, and it can potentially be used to extract oxygen from all silicate and oxide mineralogies present on the Moon. For these reason, we conducted an engineering study to derive a design approach that could function on the Moon. We used the highest TRL components available, addressed component interfaces, and invoked new engineering designs only when no existing solutions existed.
    
    The study results show that an MRE ISRU plant that weighs ~ 1 tonne could be capable of producing ~10 tonnes of oxygen per year from highlands regolith.  The concept of operations are: 1) An excavation rover  hauls regolith to the base of the plant and dumps it into a hopper. The IPE excavator is baselined. 2) A COTS-derived “spiral vibratory elevator” lifts the regolith from the hopper to the inlet of the reaction cell. 3) The regolith is poured into the cell. Batch processing is baselined for which we designed a novel opening/closing mechanism that is dust tolerant, and allows internal reactor pressure to be maintained. 4) The reactor melts the regolith as it separates the oxygen from the metals through electrolysis. 5) The oxygen is and then purified and cryogenically condensed and stored. The molten waste is extracted through a tap toward the bottom of the MRE reactor cell and centrifugally flung onto the Moon’s surface to cool as spherules for collection and disposal. 6) The rover continues hauling regolith to the plant and removing slag, wirelessly recharging as needed.
    
    The system requires ~25 kW, several of the other smaller components of the system will require additional power that will require ~2 kW. Power is provided by three 10 kW solar photovoltaic sources, operating ~292-314 days of the year, augmented with regenerative fuel cells or batteries. We expect 70% efficiency in the extraction of O2 from regolith.
    
    Challenges and future work should include understanding melts and regolith dynamic behavior in lunar gravity; understanding the power requirements of cryogenic storage of O2; and the duration, timing, and power needs for surviving the lunar night.
    Abstract document

    IAC-22,A3,IPB,4,x69869.brief.pdf

    Manuscript document

    IAC-22,A3,IPB,4,x69869.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

    To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.