Simulation of dissociation using resources on the lunar for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU)

Abstract

Humanity has achieved landing on Moon in 1969 and now humanity is looking forward to land on extraterrestrial regions, for example, Mars. To reach the extraterrestrial regions, In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is regarded as one of the most significant concepts because current technologies could not afford enough propellants and others. Therefore, Moon ISRU is considered one of the most possible keys to reach Mars. In the ISRU, Oxygen is the most essential priority to get from Moon, so the possibility of ISRU with Moon soil is studied in this research using Chemical equilibrium with applications (CEAs) which is developed by the Nasa Glenn research center. The main concept is dissociating Moon soil with E-beam because most major components of Moon soil are composed of Oxygen. Simulation with CEAs is performed, firstly, instead of using E-beam in Moon atmosphere condition. In the program, some of Moon’s atmospheric elements were put in the reaction and Moon’s atmospheric condition was applied. With those conditions, the fraction of Oxygen was simulated by dissociating Moon soil in CEAs. Hence, this research shows the most proper conditions to generate Oxygen and even other ions and atoms. Furthermore, the ultimate goal of this Moon ISRU is shown in this research.