Overview of methods for extraterrestrial materials processing

Abstract

A brief survey of processing systems suitable for conversion of lunar soil fractions to refined industrial feedstocks are given. Description of a 'baseline' process using hydrochemical or metallurgical separation of compounds of major and minor elements using HF acid leaching as the initial step is presented. Rough engineering parameters including power and heat rejection requirements, potential loss of earth supplied reagents during recycling, and mass: output ratios of equipment, reagent inventory, and associated power and radiator facilities are described. Minimal practical scales for such systems and manpower requirements are discussed.