Molten Regolith Electrolysis

This is one possible way to get oxygen for Lunar mare basalt.

Operation

• Chemical reaction

Advantages

Disadvantages

Parameter priorities

1. Able to be constructed/maintained locally
   1. UNKNOWN
2. Minimal reliance on Earth for reagents
   1. UNKNOWN
3. Operable in 1 SLHA
   1. UNKNOWN
4. Ease of maintenance
   1. UNKNOWN
5. Simple
   1. UNKNOWN
6. Durable
   1. UNKNOWN
7. Energy input
   1. Electrolyte heated to 950°C [1].
8. Heat output
   1. UNKNOWN
9. No hazardous materials are produced
   1. UNKNOWN
10. Efficiency
    1. UNKNOWN
11. Processes that extract more than just oxygen are preferred
    1. UNKNOWN
12. Weight/mass/volume
    1. UNKNOWN
13. Other uses for the reagents
    1. UNKNOWN

Resources

Need to read

• https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-kennedy-to-develop-tech-to-melt-moon-dust-extract-oxygen
• https://isru.nasa.gov/Molten_Regolith_Electrolysis.html
• https://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/79757/Sadoway_Direct%20electrolysis.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
• https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/tb/tech-exchange/nasa-tech-needs/9916