Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Apr 2003
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003eaeja....14840c&link_type=abstract
EGS - AGU - EUG Joint Assembly, Abstracts from the meeting held in Nice, France, 6 - 11 April 2003, abstract #14840
Mathematics
Logic
Scientific paper
Exploration and in-situ utilisation of lunar resources are major steps to be followed prior to the establishment of any permanent lunar (or planetary) outpost. Among potential resources in our natural satellite, lunar oxygen can be considered as one of the most readily available and of critical importance, both as a propellant and in life-support systems. A wide variety of methods have been proposed for oxygen extraction from the lunar regolith. The feasibility of such procedures is evaluated on the basis of minimisation of materials transportation from Earth, energy requirements and processing simplicity. From an exploration point of view, detailed mapping of materials with an engineering interest constrains the implementation (location and timing) of oxygen extraction technologies on the lunar surface. Global coverage with ESA's SMART-1 D-CIXS X-ray, and complementary mineralogical data from the SIR infrared spectrometres will provide information of outmost interest for the identification of resources through analysis of Fe, Al, Si, Mg (and possibly other elements that may be identified under favourable solar conditions). Laboratory studies of lunar samples show significant bulk compositional differences between regolith samples, pristine rocks (e.g. basalts, anorthosites) and pyroclastic deposits. Their Si-normalised Fe/Al and Mg/Al signatures allow positive identification of each class of materials from an orbital platform equipped with an X-ray apparatus. High-Ti mare basalts also show a specific Fe/Al ratio and, consequently, DCIXS data can complement the results from Lunar Prospector's gamma-ray spectrometre to map ilmenite-rich materials. In the mid- term, lunar materials (especially the fine-grained regolith) may be used as well for in-situ construction of infrastructures that aid the implementation of and operations in a permanent lunar outpost. In this paper, a review of available technologies for lunar material processing is also presented. Finally, it is important to keep in mind that lunar resources may also eventually be imported to Earth for the production of energy. In this sense, the observed correlation between ilmenite abundance and He-3 contents in lunar rocks opens the possibility to identify solar-wind implanted gases of great technological importance in the development of fusion technology.
No associations
LandOfFree
A roadmap for the exploration and utilisation of lunar resources does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with A roadmap for the exploration and utilisation of lunar resources, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A roadmap for the exploration and utilisation of lunar resources will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-846339