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Lunar Oxygen/Water Extraction (LOWE)

Canceled TRL 6 (started at 3, targeting 6)

Description

The Lunar Oxygen/Water Extraction Project (LOWE) provides groundwork for a long-term consumables and Lunar Highlands Type (LHT) simulant development, and Lunar simulated environmental capabilities strategies. The project seeks to collect information on the state-of-the-art solutions that currently exist and develop low TRL technologies and integrate mature technologies into systems that require lunar consumable solutions.

Benefits

Developing technologies for Lunar resource prospecting, utilizing Lunar resources for consumables production, developing low, mid. and high fidelity Lunar simulant, and dust Lunar surface simulation thermal vacuum environment capabilities.

Details

Technology areaGround, Test, and Surface Systems > Test and Qualification Environments > Environment Testing
ProgramGame Changing Development (GCD)
Lead organizationJohnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Start date2019-10-01
End date2023-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.