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Lunar Oxygen Production from Ilmenite/Fluid Particle Processing Carbotek Development Laboratories, Houston, TX

Innovation Developed conceptual design for lunar oxygen production system based on fluidized-bed hydrogen reduction of lunar ilenite. Laboratory reduction of lunar stimulants and fabrication of models for study of fluidized bed dynamics at g-1 and 1/6-g.

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Lunar Oxygen Production from Ilmenite/Fluid Particle Processing Carbotek Development Laboratories, Houston, TX

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  1. Innovation • Developed conceptual design for lunar oxygen production system • based on fluidized-bed hydrogen reduction of lunar ilenite. • Laboratory reduction of lunar stimulants and fabrication of • models for study of fluidized bed dynamics at g-1 and 1/6-g Lunar Oxygen Production from Ilmenite/Fluid Particle Processing Carbotek Development Laboratories, Houston, TX • Accomplishments • Determined reaction kinetics for numerous lunar stimulants an development • correlations for actual lunar samples. • Measured bubble sizes in “two-dimensional” fluidized beds at 1-g and at • 1/6-g on NASA’s KC-135 variable gravity aircraft. Verified two-phase (gas- • solid) flow theory at lunar gravity for fluidized-bed reactors. • Demonstrated smooth, downward transfer of solids through standpipe • transfer mechanisms for multi-staged fluidized-bed reactors. • Commercialization • Private funding of research since 1991 advanced state-of-the-art considerably with reduction • of actual lunar samples and design of additional KC-135 experiment packages. • Other applications of lunar oxygen such as a thrust enhancer for a nuclear rocket engine, are • opening new markets and funding sources • Phase two SBIR contract enabled Carbotek to add scientifically skilled employees and expand research capabilities. • Private funding from Shimizu Crop. In 1991 to continue research. • JSC funded KC 135 lunar gravity flights and Lunar oxygen pilot plant based on this technology. Hydrogen reduction of Lunar Ilmenite • Government/Science Applications • NASA identified lunar oxygen production as enabling • technology for solar system exploration - hydrogen • reduction is baseline process. • Lunar oxygen production enables substantial mass • reduction for transportation systems and near • self-sufficient lunar base operations Points of Contact: - NASA Jane I Fox - Company Mike Gibbon--cdl@Carbotek.com 1984 SBIR Phase II; NAS 9 17288; SS 09-11 Johnson Space Center Date of Update 2-22-98

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