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Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 5)
The project will advance molten regolith electrolysis (MRE), one of the leading processes for extracting oxygen and metal from the lunar regolith, by developing a tapping system to siphon off molten metals from the MRE reactor. The system will be integrated with an aluminum-refinement reactor and a wire-casting system to create high-purity aluminum wire that can be used as feedstock for additive manufacturing on the surface of the Moon.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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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