Compact Integrated Sorting Technology for Oxygen and Regolith Treatment (CISORT)

Cislune Inc., in collaboration with Dr. Philip Metzger from the University of Central Florida, proposes CISORT, a lunar regolith processing technology for NASA’s SBIR Phase I. CISORT employs vibrational sorting and magnetic separation to efficiently isolate high-purity materials from lunar soil, crucial for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). This scalable solution aligns with NASA’s Z12.03 solicitation, aiming for lunar mining advancements and CLPS mission compatibility. CISORT’s core innovation combines vibrational sorting with magnetic separation, optimizing oxygen, water, and metal extraction from lunar regolith, particularly from the Moon’s immature highlands. The system is compact, designed for the lunar environment, and adaptable, enabling foundational ISRU process testing. Key components include vibrational size sorting, leveraging the Brazil nut effect and density variations, magnetic separation for valuable mineral concentration, and density-based beneficiation for enhanced separation purity. CISORT offers advantages over existing ISRU technologies with its enhanced efficiency, compact design, and scalability, supporting sustainable lunar exploration and a lunar economy. The technology, developed on solid scientific principles with expert guidance from Dr. Metzger, is a leap in ISRU capabilities, designed to reduce reliance on Earth-supplied materials and support NASA’s vision for a sustainable human presence on the Moon.

CISORT's innovative lunar regolith processing technology directly supports NASA's mission directives by enhancing In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) capabilities, crucial for sustainable lunar exploration and habitation. Its ability to efficiently isolate high-purity materials from lunar soil, such as oxygen, water, and metals, aligns with the objectives of NASA’s Artemis program and the broader vision for sustained human presence on the Moon. By offering a scalable, compact, and adaptable system, CISORT enables the demonstration of critical ISRU processes on a CLPS mission, addressing foundational elements of beneficiation with broad applicability to many lunar ISRU processes. Specifically, CISORT supports: Sustainable Lunar Exploration: By maximizing the utilization of lunar resources, CISORT significantly reduces the dependency on Earth-supplied materials, thereby supporting NASA’s goal of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon. Construction and Infrastructure Development: The technology's capability to extract valuable minerals and produce materials ideal for lunar construction directly contributes to building the necessary infrastructure for lunar bases and habitats, paving the way for long-term habitation and research outposts. Advancement of ISRU Technologies: CISORT represents a significant technological leap in regolith processing, offering novel solutions that enhance the efficiency and adaptability of ISRU operations in the lunar environment. This progress is vital for the development of technologies that will support future missions to Mars and beyond. CISORT's lunar regolith processing technology, beyond its pivotal role in supporting NASA's lunar and Martian exploration missions, holds substantial commercialization opportunities in the burgeoning space economy and related sectors. Its innovative approach to efficiently isolating high-purity materials from lunar soil has applications across a range of non-NASA domains: Space Mining Enterprises: CISORT can be a key technology for commercial space mining companies targeting the Moon, asteroids, and Mars for resources. Its efficiency and adaptability make it an attractive option for extracting valuable minerals and metals in support of in-space manufacturing and construction. Lunar Base Construction: Private entities involved in the development of lunar bases for research, tourism, or commercial activities can leverage CISORT for building materials production directly from lunar regolith, reducing logistics and costs associated with transporting materials from Earth. Education and Research: Universities and research institutions can utilize CISORT technology for educational purposes and advanced research in ISRU technologies, providing hands-on experience with cutting-edge space resource utilization methods. Space Habitat Companies: Firms focusing on the development of habitats for space tourists or researchers can benefit from CISORT’s ability to provide necessary materials for habitat construction, life support, and other critical systems directly from lunar or Martian soil. Terrestrial Applications: Innovations in vibrational sorting and magnetic separation developed for CISORT may find applications in Earth-based industries, such as mining, recycling, and construction, where efficient material separation is crucial. By addressing the needs of multiple stakeholders in the space and terrestrial sectors, CISORT will play a significant role in the commercial space industry, contributing to the expansion of human activities on the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

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