NASA Technical Reports Server (NASA) · 1983 · 18 citations · 0 references
Open access
Natural SciencesMaterials EngineeringMaterials ScienceElectrochemistryGeochemistryMetallurgyExtractive MetallurgyIgneous MineralsLunar GeologySilicate MineralsAnode ProcessesBasalt PetrologyIonizationLunar GeochemistryLunar PetrologyMagma Chamber ProcessesMagma ChemistryMagmatic Geochemistry
The second year of a multiyear program on processing and using extraterrestrial resources is reported. The study investigated silicate processing, magma electrolysis, vapor phase reduction, and metal separation from lunar regolith, alongside energy, transportation, utilization, and exploration analyses, developing thermophysical models and selecting two vapor‑phase reduction processes. Early magma electrolysis experiments yielded gram‑scale iron and revealed major anode, cathode, and container issues, while vapor‑phase reduction analysis selected two processes for future work.
The second year of a multiyear research program on the processing and use of extraterrestrial resources is covered. The research tasks included: (1) silicate processing, (2) magma electrolysis, (3) vapor phase reduction, and (4) metals separation. Concomitant studies included: (1) energy systems, (2) transportation systems, (3) utilization analysis, and (4) resource exploration missions. Emphasis in fiscal year 1982 was placed on the magma electrolysis and vapor phase reduction processes (both analytical and experimental) for separation of oxygen and metals from lunar regolith. The early experimental work on magma electrolysis resulted in gram quantities of iron (mixed metals) and the identification of significant anode, cathode, and container problems. In the vapor phase reduction tasks a detailed analysis of various process concepts led to the selection of two specific processes designated as Vapor Separation'' and Selective Ionization.'' Experimental work was deferred to fiscal year 1983. In the Silicate Processing task a thermophysical model of the casting process was developed and used to study the effect of variations in material properties on the cooling behavior of lunar basalt.