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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
1. To synthesize a task-specific IL that is efficient at removing Na from sodium-rich phases found on Mars, and has the ability to produce a silica gel as a bi-product.2. To develop, build, test, and use an electrolytic hydrolysis system that will form sodium hydroxide and regenerate the IL.3. To identify the proper mixing ratios of sodium hydroxide, silica, water, and regolith simulant to provide a strong sodium-silicate construction material, while still allowing the material to be extruded and deposited. Next step after this year's work is to test deposition of the material in a Mars-like atmosphere (~7 Torr, 95% CO2).
The target outcome is the first demonstration of creating cementitous construction material from known planetary resources. The end goal is to provide a usable construction material for additive construction technologies that can be produced on planetary surfaces, thus eliminating the excessive cost of launching these materials from Earth. The ability to produce construction materials in-situ will also provide the capability to manufacture new infrastructure elements on demand, without having to wait for a resupply mission from Earth.
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