Fluidized Drilling for Lunar Mining Applications

A method of lunar drilling using a fluid-based cooling and cuttings removal system will be described. The proposed system would be composed of a non-reactive fluid (gas or liquid) source, insulated fluid transfer lines, and drilling technology based on terrestrial experience. The amount of drilling fluid required to move lunar soil will be estimated. Solutions provided by fluid usage may enable lunar mining in situations where it may other wise be more difficult. It is expected that partial recycling of drilling fluids will be possible during the mining and processing phase. An experimental program to determine both bailing and cooling rates for candidate fluids will be suggested. Advantages in the productivity of fluidized drilling are expected to outweigh additional system mass and associated cost factors.