Author: Joshua Neubert
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 37
Book Description
This research thesis compares the major, most feasible methods of providing the needed amounts of oxygen on the lunar surface for a future human mission. Past studies are combined to provide a comprehensive look at each process and their processing requirements (for example, the mass a processing plant requires, the speed at which the oxygen could be produced, and the cost of setting up such a processing system). There are three methods of in-situ oxygen production that will be researched: hydrothermal reduction, carbothermal reduction, and water/ice electrolysis. Transportation from the Earth is also noted as a basis of comparison. These three methods were chosen because they are the three simplest, most studied methods of regolith reduction to produce oxygen. There have been several studies done on these methods from which I base my research. Pure electrolysis is being studied because of the possibility of water ice at the lunar poles. All three processes are compared and analyzed under various lunar constraints. These constraints limit the feedstock of the system at different locations on the lunar surface. It is found that the water ice concentrations estimated at the north-pole are significantly above that needed to make ice electrolysis the most beneficial method of extraction. However, in mid-latitudes and the south-pole such a definite conclusion is not yet seen. In the south polar regions if the water ice concentration is in the lower half of the bound estimated then ice electrolysis is not the most beneficial, yet if it is in the upper half it will be at least more beneficial than the hydrothermal process, if not the most beneficial. More research must be conducted on the carbothermal system to make definite analysis quantitatively conclusive.
Analysis of Lunar Oxygen Production Methods Under Varying Lunar Conditions
Author: Joshua Neubert
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 37
Book Description
This research thesis compares the major, most feasible methods of providing the needed amounts of oxygen on the lunar surface for a future human mission. Past studies are combined to provide a comprehensive look at each process and their processing requirements (for example, the mass a processing plant requires, the speed at which the oxygen could be produced, and the cost of setting up such a processing system). There are three methods of in-situ oxygen production that will be researched: hydrothermal reduction, carbothermal reduction, and water/ice electrolysis. Transportation from the Earth is also noted as a basis of comparison. These three methods were chosen because they are the three simplest, most studied methods of regolith reduction to produce oxygen. There have been several studies done on these methods from which I base my research. Pure electrolysis is being studied because of the possibility of water ice at the lunar poles. All three processes are compared and analyzed under various lunar constraints. These constraints limit the feedstock of the system at different locations on the lunar surface. It is found that the water ice concentrations estimated at the north-pole are significantly above that needed to make ice electrolysis the most beneficial method of extraction. However, in mid-latitudes and the south-pole such a definite conclusion is not yet seen. In the south polar regions if the water ice concentration is in the lower half of the bound estimated then ice electrolysis is not the most beneficial, yet if it is in the upper half it will be at least more beneficial than the hydrothermal process, if not the most beneficial. More research must be conducted on the carbothermal system to make definite analysis quantitatively conclusive.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 37
Book Description
This research thesis compares the major, most feasible methods of providing the needed amounts of oxygen on the lunar surface for a future human mission. Past studies are combined to provide a comprehensive look at each process and their processing requirements (for example, the mass a processing plant requires, the speed at which the oxygen could be produced, and the cost of setting up such a processing system). There are three methods of in-situ oxygen production that will be researched: hydrothermal reduction, carbothermal reduction, and water/ice electrolysis. Transportation from the Earth is also noted as a basis of comparison. These three methods were chosen because they are the three simplest, most studied methods of regolith reduction to produce oxygen. There have been several studies done on these methods from which I base my research. Pure electrolysis is being studied because of the possibility of water ice at the lunar poles. All three processes are compared and analyzed under various lunar constraints. These constraints limit the feedstock of the system at different locations on the lunar surface. It is found that the water ice concentrations estimated at the north-pole are significantly above that needed to make ice electrolysis the most beneficial method of extraction. However, in mid-latitudes and the south-pole such a definite conclusion is not yet seen. In the south polar regions if the water ice concentration is in the lower half of the bound estimated then ice electrolysis is not the most beneficial, yet if it is in the upper half it will be at least more beneficial than the hydrothermal process, if not the most beneficial. More research must be conducted on the carbothermal system to make definite analysis quantitatively conclusive.
Lunar Oxygen Production
Lunar Sourcebook
Author: Grant Heiken
Publisher: CUP Archive
ISBN: 9780521334440
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 796
Book Description
The only work to date to collect data gathered during the American and Soviet missions in an accessible and complete reference of current scientific and technical information about the Moon.
Publisher: CUP Archive
ISBN: 9780521334440
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 796
Book Description
The only work to date to collect data gathered during the American and Soviet missions in an accessible and complete reference of current scientific and technical information about the Moon.
Production of Lunar Oxygen Through Vacuum Pyrolysis
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 71
Book Description
Increasing efficiency of future space exploration will require that missions utilize non-terrestrial resources for propellant manufacture. The vacuum pyrolysis method of oxygen production from lunar regolith presents a viable option for in situ propellant production because of its simple operation involving limited resources from earth. Lunar regolith, the fine layer of pulverized rock across the entire lunar surface, is composed of approximately forty percent oxygen in the form of metal oxides. Employing concentrated solar radiation to heat raw regolith beyond its respective vaporization temperatures will dissociate the regolith minerals and agglutinates into reduced oxides and gaseous oxygen. Once dissociated, rapid quenching will cause the reduced oxides to condense, releasing gaseous oxygen to be isolated and stored. Vacuum solar pyrolysis experiments involving terrestrial representatives of lunar regolith were completed at temperatures between 1000 degrees Celsius and 2000 degrees Celsius at a rough vacuum. A large Fresnel lens was employed to focus solar radiation on a small sample of regolith simulant, located in a vacuum chamber. Pyrolysis measurement data collected included pressure, temperature, mass loss, residual gas analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The complexity of the lunar environment presents new engineering challenges to a terrestrially proven pyrolysis system. The lunar pyrolysis oxygen production plant meets these challenges by a robust design that takes advantage of all the lunar resources. The technology readiness of an oxygen production plant will be demonstrated on an evolutionary path. Oxygen production yields are estimated at 6-23% of regolith mass depending upon oxide dissociation and condenser efficiency. This study provides an analysis of the infrastructure needed for an oxygen production plant through vapor phase pyrolysis on the lunar surface.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 71
Book Description
Increasing efficiency of future space exploration will require that missions utilize non-terrestrial resources for propellant manufacture. The vacuum pyrolysis method of oxygen production from lunar regolith presents a viable option for in situ propellant production because of its simple operation involving limited resources from earth. Lunar regolith, the fine layer of pulverized rock across the entire lunar surface, is composed of approximately forty percent oxygen in the form of metal oxides. Employing concentrated solar radiation to heat raw regolith beyond its respective vaporization temperatures will dissociate the regolith minerals and agglutinates into reduced oxides and gaseous oxygen. Once dissociated, rapid quenching will cause the reduced oxides to condense, releasing gaseous oxygen to be isolated and stored. Vacuum solar pyrolysis experiments involving terrestrial representatives of lunar regolith were completed at temperatures between 1000 degrees Celsius and 2000 degrees Celsius at a rough vacuum. A large Fresnel lens was employed to focus solar radiation on a small sample of regolith simulant, located in a vacuum chamber. Pyrolysis measurement data collected included pressure, temperature, mass loss, residual gas analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The complexity of the lunar environment presents new engineering challenges to a terrestrially proven pyrolysis system. The lunar pyrolysis oxygen production plant meets these challenges by a robust design that takes advantage of all the lunar resources. The technology readiness of an oxygen production plant will be demonstrated on an evolutionary path. Oxygen production yields are estimated at 6-23% of regolith mass depending upon oxide dissociation and condenser efficiency. This study provides an analysis of the infrastructure needed for an oxygen production plant through vapor phase pyrolysis on the lunar surface.
Lunar Bases and Space Activities of the 21st Century
Author: Wendell W. Mendell
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 888
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 888
Book Description
Space Resources: Materials
New Views of the Moon
Author: Bradley L. Jolliff
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG
ISBN: 1501509535
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 756
Book Description
Volume 60 of Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry assesses the current state of knowledge of lunar geoscience, given the data sets provided by missions of the 1990's, and lists remaining key questions as well as new ones for future exploration to address. It documents how a planet or moon other than the world on which we live can be studied and understood in light of integrated suites of specific kinds of information. The Moon is the only body other than Earth for which we have material samples of known geologic context for study. This volume seeks to show how the different kinds of information gained about the Moon relate to each other and also to learn from this experience, thus allowing more efficient planning for the exploration of other worlds.
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG
ISBN: 1501509535
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 756
Book Description
Volume 60 of Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry assesses the current state of knowledge of lunar geoscience, given the data sets provided by missions of the 1990's, and lists remaining key questions as well as new ones for future exploration to address. It documents how a planet or moon other than the world on which we live can be studied and understood in light of integrated suites of specific kinds of information. The Moon is the only body other than Earth for which we have material samples of known geologic context for study. This volume seeks to show how the different kinds of information gained about the Moon relate to each other and also to learn from this experience, thus allowing more efficient planning for the exploration of other worlds.
Lunar Science: A Post - Apollo View
Author: Stuart Ross Taylor
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 1483136906
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 393
Book Description
Lunar Science: A Post-Apollo View: Scientific Results and Insights from the Lunar Samples explains the scientific results and discoveries of the manned Apollo lunar missions as they are understood. The emphasis is less on sample description and data and more on the interpretative aspects of the study, with the aim of providing a coherent story of the evolution of the moon and its origin as revealed by the lunar samples and the Apollo missions. This text has seven chapters; the first of which provides a historical background of efforts to study the moon prior to the Apollo missions, including lunar photogeologic mapping and direct exploration by spacecraft. Attention then turns to the Apollo missions and the lunar samples collected, beginning with Apollo 11 that landed on the moon on July 20, 1969 and followed by more missions. The next chapter describes the geology of the moon, with emphasis on craters, central peaks and peak rings, the large ringed basins, rilles, and maria lava flows. The reader is also introduced to the nature of the lunar surface material, the maria basalts, the highlands, and the moon's interior. This book concludes with a discussion on the evidence that has been gathered by the Apollo missions that offers insights into the origin and evolution of the moon. An epilogue reflects on the usefulness of manned space flight. This book will appeal to lunar scientists as well as to those with an interest in astronomy and space exploration.
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 1483136906
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 393
Book Description
Lunar Science: A Post-Apollo View: Scientific Results and Insights from the Lunar Samples explains the scientific results and discoveries of the manned Apollo lunar missions as they are understood. The emphasis is less on sample description and data and more on the interpretative aspects of the study, with the aim of providing a coherent story of the evolution of the moon and its origin as revealed by the lunar samples and the Apollo missions. This text has seven chapters; the first of which provides a historical background of efforts to study the moon prior to the Apollo missions, including lunar photogeologic mapping and direct exploration by spacecraft. Attention then turns to the Apollo missions and the lunar samples collected, beginning with Apollo 11 that landed on the moon on July 20, 1969 and followed by more missions. The next chapter describes the geology of the moon, with emphasis on craters, central peaks and peak rings, the large ringed basins, rilles, and maria lava flows. The reader is also introduced to the nature of the lunar surface material, the maria basalts, the highlands, and the moon's interior. This book concludes with a discussion on the evidence that has been gathered by the Apollo missions that offers insights into the origin and evolution of the moon. An epilogue reflects on the usefulness of manned space flight. This book will appeal to lunar scientists as well as to those with an interest in astronomy and space exploration.
Nonimaging Fresnel Lenses
Author: Ralf Leutz
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3540452907
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 279
Book Description
A detailed and comprehensive account of the engineering of the world’s first nonimaging Fresnel lens solar concentrator. The book closes a gap in solar concentrator design, and describes nonimaging refractive optics and its numerical mathematics. The book shows the reader how to find his or her own optical solution using the rules and methodologies covering the design and the assessment of the nonimaging lens.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3540452907
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 279
Book Description
A detailed and comprehensive account of the engineering of the world’s first nonimaging Fresnel lens solar concentrator. The book closes a gap in solar concentrator design, and describes nonimaging refractive optics and its numerical mathematics. The book shows the reader how to find his or her own optical solution using the rules and methodologies covering the design and the assessment of the nonimaging lens.
Moon
Author: Viorel Badescu
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642279694
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 771
Book Description
The Earth has limited material and energy resources. Further development of the humanity will require going beyond our planet for mining and use of extraterrestrial mineral resources and search of power sources. The exploitation of the natural resources of the Moon is a first natural step on this direction. Lunar materials may contribute to the betterment of conditions of people on Earth but they also may be used to establish permanent settlements on the Moon. This will allow developing new technologies, systems and flight operation techniques to continue space exploration. In fact, a new branch of human civilization could be established permanently on Moon in the next century. But, meantime, an inventory and proper social assessment of Moon’s prospective energy and material resources is required. This book investigates the possibilities and limitations of various systems supplying manned bases on Moon with energy and other vital resources. The book collects together recent proposals and innovative options and solutions. It is a useful source of condensed information for specialists involved in current and impending Moon-related activities and a good starting point for young researchers.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642279694
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 771
Book Description
The Earth has limited material and energy resources. Further development of the humanity will require going beyond our planet for mining and use of extraterrestrial mineral resources and search of power sources. The exploitation of the natural resources of the Moon is a first natural step on this direction. Lunar materials may contribute to the betterment of conditions of people on Earth but they also may be used to establish permanent settlements on the Moon. This will allow developing new technologies, systems and flight operation techniques to continue space exploration. In fact, a new branch of human civilization could be established permanently on Moon in the next century. But, meantime, an inventory and proper social assessment of Moon’s prospective energy and material resources is required. This book investigates the possibilities and limitations of various systems supplying manned bases on Moon with energy and other vital resources. The book collects together recent proposals and innovative options and solutions. It is a useful source of condensed information for specialists involved in current and impending Moon-related activities and a good starting point for young researchers.