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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
The purpose of this project was to maximize the production of nitric acid (HNO3) via plasma discharge methodology. The produced acid may then be employed in hydroponic systems for pH balancing, nutrient supplementation, sanitization, and assisted growth. The efforts of this work were based upon optimization of previous efforts pursued at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. This technology aims to aid space crop production and sanitation efforts via in-situ, on-demand production that eliminates the transport, storage, and shelf-life issues that may arise if commodities were resupplied via Earth-based cargo missions.
The results of this work highlighted the capability of producing a pH of 1 and >17,000 ppm concentration of nitrates (NO3) in a 300 mL beaker of deionized (DI) water. This is done with a 100 W of power and a 5-minute plasma production and treatment. Slow-release fertilizers may provide 10-50 ppm of NO3 per day. Nitrate is a plant form of usable nitrogen that aids in growth and is desired by many leafy green type vegetables. This technology is able to be implemented on a spacecraft or space station as well as terrestrially in indoor agriculture or irrigated fields. The significant production of NO3 may be diluted to appropriate levels in water reservoirs, or the plasma may be tailored to appropriate production levels of NO3 desired by the crop. Additionally, HNO3 is useful in many chemical reactions and industry as well as the crewed space may require the need for on-demand, point-of-use HNO3 production.
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