Ilmenite-rich pyroclastic deposits - An ideal lunar resourceWith a view of investigating possible economic benefits that a permanent lunar settlement might provide to the near-earth space infrastructures, consideration was given to the ilmenite-rich pyroclastic deposits as sources of oxygen (for use as a propellant) and He-3 (for nuclear fusion fuel). This paper demonstrates that ilmenite-rich pyroclastic deposits would be excellent sources of a wide variety of valuable elements besides O and He-3, including Fe, Ti, H2, N, C, S, Cu, Zn, Cd, Bi, and Pb. It is shown that several ilmenite-rich pyroclastic deposits of regional extent exist on the lunar surface. The suitability of regional pyroclastic deposits for lunar mining operations, construction activities, and the establishment of permanent lunar settlements is examined.
Document ID
19900046422
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hawke, B. R. (Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Clark, B. (Hawaii, University Honolulu, United States)
Coombs, C. R. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX; Hawaii, University, Honolulu, United States)