EXPLOITATION OF LUNAR WATER RESOURCES.
Abstract
This thesis discusses the technical feasibility of exploiting natural lunar water resources. Brief consideration is given to utility, possible abundances, and location of hydrous deposits. The criteria for design of new equipment or adaptation of existing equipment are specified. Based on these criteria, various proposed designs of extraction, electrolysis, and liquefaction equipment are evaluated. Particular emphasis is given to the effects of reduced lunar gravity on operation and design. Extraction equipment under discussion includes separators, evaporators, condensers, compressors, and pumps. Rotating, vortex, membrane, vapor, and porous electrode electrolysis cells are considered. A rotating cell with a palladium cathode appears to be the most promising. For liquefaction of oxygen and hydrogen, engine expansion is found to be preferable to Joule-Thomson expansion. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0610226
Entities
People
- Michael Vincent Vasilik
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology