Characterization and Preservation of Lunar Polar Volatiles for Sample Return and ISRU, Year 1

We propose to build on current JSC lunar volatiles research by developing a high-fidelity volatile-rich lunar simulant and assessing its alteration under flight-like conditions. First, we will refine an existing lunar simulant developed at JSC by adding compounds previously detected on the Moon but not included in current efforts. Second, we will subject the simulant to temperature and pressure profiles mimicking the sample collection process and expected return transit storage conditions. Third, we will assess the ideal storage and curation conditions by assessing the chemical and physical alteration of the sample under a range of conditions, including storing the simulant at 70-200K and vacuum-1 atm for up to one year.

This project is filling a gap in NASA's simulant development capabilities by providing a process for producing high-fidelity volatile-rich lunar simulant. The development and testing of this simulant will directly benefit many of the ISRU target needs. Further research beyond this IRAD would include development of ISRU and curation technologies utilizing our high-fidelity simulant. Derivatives of this simulant could be designed for specific research goals to support technology development efforts. Permanently shadowed regions in the south pole are the most scientifically interesting areas to be explored by the new human lunar exploration program and demand for this type of simulant will be high.

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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