Exploratory Review of Sintered Lunar Soil Based on the Results of the Thermal Analysis of a Lunar Soil Simulant
Publication: Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 28, Issue 4
Abstract
The exploration and development of space will require energy that is reliable, ubiquitous, and economical to produce. The international space station relies on photovoltaics to generate electricity stored in nickel-hydrogen batteries for powering the station during the “night”. This paper investigates an alternative technology designed to take advantage of in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) available on the moon or other celestial bodies. Rather than depending on chemical batteries to store energy the envisioned method would “stock” solar thermal energy in sintered regolith, serving as a thermal battery that provides heat and power during the long night. It discusses the sintering process and the temperatures required to achieve agglomeration of the Australian Lunar Regolith Simulant-1 (ALRS-1). The main aim of the presented work was to determine the specific heat capacity of a sintered simulant, across a temperature range of 25°C to 700°C. Discussed are the concept of a closed cycle power storage system as well as methods and equipment employed for the experimental work. While the conducted tests are exploratory in nature, the first results encourage further work.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to give special thanks to the contributions of Civil Engineering Chief Laboratory Technician William Terry and the support and advice of Civil Engineering Graduate Benjamin Garnock.
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Published In
Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 28 • Issue 4 • July 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 24, 2013
Accepted: Apr 24, 2014
Published online: Aug 18, 2014
Discussion open until: Jan 18, 2015
Published in print: Jul 1, 2015
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