Investigation of lunar regolith reduction via hydrogen plasma in different plasma environments

This study will use AC, DC, Pulsed DC, and RF power sources to improve the hydrogen plasma reduction process being developed to extract oxygen from lunar regolith. The various power sources drastically modify the plasma parameters, and therefore, the amount of H+ ions or atomic H available to reduce the regolith. By exploring different reactions, this work will improve upon the field of knowledge in both chemistry and physics and pave the way to down-selecting the technology and power requirements for future flight opportunities.

For crewed lunar missions, oxygen is a significant consumable. Producing oxygen locally lowers launch costs of consumables and expands mission capabilities. Additionally, it provides improved resource reutilization efforts as well as transportation and handling logistical costs. This project aligns with HEOMD AES Life Support and Habitation systems and STMD needs for an early planetary base. In particular, it aligns with the STMD strategies of living sustainably farther from Earth with “In-Situ Consumables Production” and “Advanced Life Support and Habitation.”

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.

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