A report proposes the development of a system to collect volatile elements and compounds from Lunar soil for use in supporting habitation and processing into rocket fuel. Prior exploratory missions revealed that H2, He, and N2 are present in Lunar soil and there are some indications that water ice may also be present. The proposed system would include a shroud that would be placed on the Lunar surface. Inside the shroud would be a radio antenna aimed downward. The antenna would be excited at a suitably high power and at a frequency chosen to optimize the depth of penetration of radio waves into the soil. The radio waves would heat the soil, thereby releasing volatiles bound to soil particles. The escaping volatiles would be retained by the shroud and collected by condensation in a radiatively cooled vessel connected to the shroud. It has been estimated that through radio-frequency heating at a power of 10 kW for one day, it should be possible to increase the temperature of a soil volume of about 1 m3 by about 200 °C — an amount that should suffice for harvesting a significant quantity of volatile material.
This work was done by Talso Chui and Konstantin Penanen of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
NPO-43313
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Radio Heating of Lunar Soil To Release Gases
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Overview
The document titled "Radio Heating of Lunar Soil to Release Gases" (NPO-43313) is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, aimed at disseminating information about innovative technologies related to lunar exploration. It focuses on a method for detecting and harvesting subsurface lunar volatiles through the application of radio frequency (RF) heating.
The primary objective of this technology is to utilize RF heating to release gases trapped within the lunar soil, or regolith. This process is significant because lunar volatiles, such as water ice and other gases, are crucial for future lunar missions, including potential human colonization and resource utilization. By effectively extracting these volatiles, NASA aims to support sustainable lunar exploration and reduce the need to transport resources from Earth.
The document outlines the potential applications of this technology, emphasizing its relevance not only for space exploration but also for broader technological and commercial uses. The RF heating method could lead to advancements in various fields, including materials science and energy production, by providing insights into the behavior of materials under different conditions.
Additionally, the Technical Support Package serves as a resource for researchers and industry professionals interested in aerospace-related developments. It encourages collaboration and innovation through the NASA Innovative Partnerships Program, which aims to foster partnerships between NASA and private entities to accelerate the commercialization of space technologies.
The document also provides contact information for the NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Program Office, where further assistance and resources can be accessed. This includes a variety of publications and research materials that delve deeper into the technologies and methodologies related to lunar exploration.
In summary, the "Radio Heating of Lunar Soil to Release Gases" document presents a promising technological innovation that could significantly enhance our ability to explore and utilize lunar resources. By harnessing RF heating to extract subsurface volatiles, NASA is paving the way for future missions and the potential establishment of a sustainable human presence on the Moon. The document highlights the importance of this research within the broader context of aerospace technology and its implications for both scientific advancement and commercial opportunities.
