Ice Tanker Capture and Transport of Extracted Polar Water

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

While we have already created an analytical ice growth model, it is based on methods used for growth in air. An extensive literature review has found very little previous work at the conditions specific to the lunar polar ice tanker: very low pressure, low water inlet rates, no carrier gas, and very cold wall temperatures. We plan to conduct one-dimensional ice growth tests in a vacuum chamber to gather data to validate and update our model, and then use the model to design and demonstrate a sub-scale ice tanker in a vacuum chamber.

There are at least four STMD Programs (GCD, ESI, Tipping Point, NIAC) that are actively funding projects to develop either raw resource collection and water extraction components, or water purification, electrolysis, and product liquefaction and storage components, but very little effort is being place on the critical water capture and transport system that will connect the two. IN addition, the Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative strategic plans call for a Polar Water to Ice Demonstration in FY24 - 26, and a Pilot ISRU Consumablel Production System in FY28+. Upon successful demonstration of the Ice Tanker, we will offer up the design and models to any teams proposing to these two potential flight opportunities.

Benefits

With power at a premium inside a permanently shadowed region, most concepts for extracting water assume it will be condensed and transported to a processing plant on a highly-illuminated ridge for purification, electrolysis, and product liquefaction and storage. However, a recent GRC Compass team study determined that transportation of water significantly drains the battery on the mobile platform, forcing the design into a very small tanker with reduced water payload due to increased battery mass. Our Ice Tanker will use the PSR's natural cold environment to passively capture and store the water as ice, thereby reducing power drain, increasing product delivered per trip, and cutting the number of trips in half.

Details

Technology area	Exploration Destination Systems > In Situ Resource Use > Resource Processing for Production of Mission Consumables
Program	Center Innovation Fund: GRC CIF (GRC CIF)
Lead organization	Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH
Start date	2020-10-01
End date	2021-09-30

Project contacts

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Diane L Linne

How to get involved

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