Capability and Technology Performance Goals for the Next Step in Affordable Human Exploration of Space

Abstract

The capability for living off the land, commonly called in-situ resource utilization, is finally gaining traction in space exploration architectures. Production of oxygen from the Martian atmosphere is called an enabling technology for human return from Mars, and a flight demonstration to be flown on the Mars 2020 robotic lander is in development. However, many of the individual components still require technical improvements, and system-level trades will be required to identify the best combination of technology options. Based largely on work performed for two recent roadmap activities, this paper defines the capability and technology requirements that will need to be achieved before this gamechanging capability can reach its full potential. Nomenclature RWGS= reverse water gas shift SOE = solid oxide electrolyzer/electrolysis

Estimating the scale of Space Resource Utilisation (SRU) operations to satisfy lunar oxygen demand

“…Previous studies have addressed several of these aspects in their mine scale estimations (for example Linne et al, 2015 andWilliams et al, 1977). Linne et al (2015) consider that 1000 kg of oxygen will be required annually in an early outpost for life support closure only (as did Lee, Oryshchyn et al 2013), and as much as 10 000 kg oxygen per year to supply a full scale, permanent site.…”

“…Previous studies have addressed several of these aspects in their mine scale estimations (for example Linne et al, 2015 andWilliams et al, 1977). Linne et al (2015) consider that 1000 kg of oxygen will be required annually in an early outpost for life support closure only (as did Lee, Oryshchyn et al 2013), and as much as 10 000 kg oxygen per year to supply a full scale, permanent site. Linne et al (2015) estimate the mining scale required based on 1000 kg/y of oxygen and assume that the full mined regolith can be used in a hydrogen reduction process, as Clark et al (2009) tested experimentally on JSC-1A.…”

“…Linne et al (2015) consider that 1000 kg of oxygen will be required annually in an early outpost for life support closure only (as did Lee, Oryshchyn et al 2013), and as much as 10 000 kg oxygen per year to supply a full scale, permanent site. Linne et al (2015) estimate the mining scale required based on 1000 kg/y of oxygen and assume that the full mined regolith can be used in a hydrogen reduction process, as Clark et al (2009) tested experimentally on JSC-1A. As noted, this may cause significant operational problems and system reliability and efficiency are likely to improve with a feedstock from which has removed both the very fine and coarse particles.…”

“…As noted, this may cause significant operational problems and system reliability and efficiency are likely to improve with a feedstock from which has removed both the very fine and coarse particles. Further, Linne et al (2015) assume that the oxygen yield from maria is 4%.…”

“…Considering the average mare TiO2 content was found to be 3.9% (Sato et al, 2017), 4% O2 yield is a relatively high estimate (Chambers et al, 1995). Linne et al (2015) also assume a 70% available operation time, based on a solar-power-driven outpost near the southern poles with up to 90% daylight. Using 4% oxygen yield and 70% operational availability, this yields a required feedstock mass rate of 4.1 kg/h (Equation 3).…”