Project Title:

Production of Oxygen and Other Products by Pyrolysis of Lunar Materials

04.11-9030
Production of Oxygen and Other Products by Pyrolysis of Lunar Materials
PSI Technology
20 New England Business Center
Andover
NA
01810
Constance L.
Senior
(508-475-9030)
JSC

Abstract:

The innovation investigated in this project is the production of oxygen by pyrolysis
of common lunar minerals using concentrated solar radiation. Oxygen production is
possible via pyrolysis of metal oxides because of the formation of gaseous suboxides
(or metal vapor) that can be condensed without re-oxidation. This project represents
the first attempt to test the pyrolysis concept on simulated lunar material and the
first experiment to use concentrated solar radiation as an energy source for vaporization
of minerals. In Phase I, the effort will address vaporizing two feedstocks available
on the moon (ilmenite and anorthite) with the intent of maximizing the amount of
oxygen produced. The experimental program will be complemented by a thermodynamic
analysis of the vaporization and condensation phenomena. If successful, Phase I will
have demonstrated the feasibility of the pyrolysis of minerals common to the lunar
regolith and will have developed guidelines for identifying materials that are most
attractive for pyrolysis.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The obvious application of this work is to manufacturing
in space or in a lunar environment.