Abstract
This paper presents a concept of producing aluminum in-situ on the lunar surface, namely, the Lunar In-Situ Aluminum Production through Molten Salt Electrolysis (LISAP-MSE) method developed at Missouri University of Science and Technology. This paper aims to demonstrate the use of electro-deoxidation to reduce aluminum oxide (i.e., alumina) into aluminum and oxygen gas via electrolysis in a molten salt bath for the production of aluminum on the Moon. It is shown that with a steady supply of hydrogen chloride, this in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) method could supply several necessary materials consumed in the electro-deoxidation process except hydrogen chloride to produce aluminum metal, oxygen, water, and silica from anorthite found in lunar highland regions. in this paper, the Missouri S&T team thermally and chemically reduce anorthite, an aluminum rich mineral commonly found in the lunar highlands, and successfully tested and electrolytic cell that was produced in house. the results show that acid leaching and thermal decomposition were successful. However, more work needs to be done to increase the efficiency of the overall process.
Recommended Citation
J. N. Ortega et al., "Progress of LISAP-MSE: A Concept of Producing Aluminum In-Situ on the Moon through Molten Salt Electrolysis," AIAA Aviation Forum and ASCEND, 2024, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronauticsi, Jan 2024.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2024-4885
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Second Department
Materials Science and Engineering
Third Department
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Fourth Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Publication Status
Full Access
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
978-162410716-0
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2025 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2024
Included in
Ceramic Materials Commons, Chemical Engineering Commons, Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Educational Administration and Supervision Commons, Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Engineering Mechanics Commons, Mechanical Engineering Commons, Space Habitation and Life Support Commons, Space Vehicles Commons, Structures and Materials Commons
