Author: Katherine NeffPublisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 28
Book Description
Lunar Oxygen Production Via Vacuum Pyrolysis
Author: Katherine NeffProduction 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.
Lunar Oxygen Production by Pyrolysis
Author: C. SeniorProceedings Of The 18th Annual Meeting Of The Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (Aogs 2021)
Author: Shie-yui LiongPublisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9811260117
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 254
Book Description
The 18th Annual Meeting of the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS 2021) was held from 1st to 6th August 2021. This proceedings volume includes selected extended abstracts from a challenging array of presentations at this conference. The AOGS Annual Meeting is a leading venue for professional interaction among researchers and practitioners, covering diverse disciplines of geosciences.
New Directions in Mineral Processing, Extractive Metallurgy, Recycling and Waste Minimization
Author: Ramana G. ReddyPublisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3031227654
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 485
Book Description
This collection addresses new research and technology for increased efficiency, energy reduction, and waste minimization in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and recycling. Professor Patrick R. Taylor and his students have been studying these topics for the past 45 years. Chapters include new directions in: · Mineral Processing · Hydrometallurgy · Pyrometallurgy · Electrometallurgy · Metals and E waste recycling · Waste minimization (including by-product recovery) · Innovations in metallurgical engineering education and curriculum development
Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports
Author: Production of Oxygen from Silicates in an Ultrahigh Vacuum (formerly Lunar Topography, Petrology, and Mineralogy).
Author: Fred L. SMITHPublisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 24
Book Description
The object was to determine if an ultrahigh vacuum facilitated the decomposition of silicates into oxygen and silicon oxide (SiO) or silicon. The practical object was to initiate further research on the possibility of using this oxygen as a lunar resource. An ultrahigh vacuum chamber was constructed capable of obtaining pressures down into the 10 to the -12th power torr range, and simulating the lunar environment. In order to monitor the results of the experiments, a small mass spectrograph was installed on the ultrahigh vacuum test chamber. Tests were run on silicon dioxide, magnesium silicate, and a tektite (an amorphous silicate). All tests indicate that the ultrahigh vacuum significantly lowered the decomposition temperatures of the silicates. In all cases oxygen production was initiated at 1316C. At 1472C the production of oxygen was materially accelerated. The mass spectrograph studied indicates that silicon was produced rather than silicon oxide. In view of the very high pumping speed of the diffusion pump and cryopump on the chamber, it is believed that oxygen production is significant in the 1400 to 1650C range.
Analogs for Planetary Exploration
Author: W. Brent GarryPublisher: Geological Society of America
ISBN: 081372483X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 582
Book Description
Where on Earth is it like Mars? How were the Apollo astronauts trained to be geologists on the Moon? Are volcanoes on Earth just like the ones on other planets? The exploration of our solar system begins in our own backyard. Discoveries on other planetary bodies cannot always be easily explained. Therefore, geologic sites on this planet are used to better understand the extraterrestrial worlds we explore with humans, robots, and satellites. Analogs for Planetary Exploration is a compilation of historical accounts of astronaut geology training, overviews of planetary geology research on Mars, educational field trips to analog sites, plus concepts for future human missions to the Moon. This Special Paper provides a great overview of the science, training, and planning related to planetary exploration for students, educators, researchers, and geology enthusiasts. After all, as we learn about the solar system we can better understand our own planet Earth.
Author: 
Author: Carlton C. Allen