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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
Blueshift LLC d/b/a Outward Technologies proposes to develop a Multi-stage Oxygen and Regolith Resource Extractor (MORRE) for the production of high purity silicon, aluminum, titanium, magnesium, and other metals. The underlying method utilizes novel process and temperature control systems to extend terrestrial vacuum metallurgical extraction processes used since the 1940’s to lunar regolith feedstocks not typically associated with vacuum metallurgy. MORRE requires limited to no process consumables while yielding multiple high purity products. The process takes advantage of the lunar environment and utilizes demonstrated terrestrial industrial processes to reduce technical risk. Development of the MORRE concept will increase humanity’s presence in space by leveraging the readily available ultra-high vacuum on the Moon to unlock the abundant resources found within lunar regolith. Additionally, the MORRE system will not only enable the production of high purity materials on the lunar surface but can also be implemented for space-based vacuum metallurgical processes that are currently not economically viable in terrestrial industries. The objective of the Phase I project is to raise the technology readiness level of the MORRE system from TRL3 to TRL4 by performing bread board validation for the MORRE system in a relevant vacuum environment. A prototype able to process no less than 50g of lunar highlands simulant will be constructed and tested in Phase I. Thermodynamic models representative of the Phase I prototype and full-scale system will then be developed and studied to help identify the optimum operating conditions for the MORRE reactor.
The primary application within NASA’s technology roadmap is TX07.1: In-Situ Resource Utilization, under SBIR FY2023 subtopic Z12.01 Extraction of Oxygen, Metal, and Water from Lunar Regolith. The MORRE system can be incorporated into several future manned and unmanned NASA missions to the lunar surface. The system would allow extraction of pure silicon and metals from in situ resources to enable sustained lunar operations while supporting the nascent cislunar economy by yielding a nearly limitless supply of high purity refined products.
The MORRE system will benefit governments and companies operating on the surface of the Moon by enabling sustained lunar surface operations by providing a ready source of high purity silicon and metals. Access to the ultra-high vacuum on the Moon will further lead to extractive processes that are not economical on Earth to enable space-based production of resources for terrestrial markets.
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