Lunar hydrogen and other volatilesThe occurrence of solar wind implanted volatiles in the lunar regolith may provide resources to support a lunar settlement and fusion energy on earth in the 21st century. These volatiles include H, He, N, and C which are enriched in the finest fraction of the moon's comminuted regolith. These volatiles may be extracted by heating the soil. At 700 C near quantitative release of hydrogen and helium will occur, and approximately 20-30 percent of the N and C will corelease. It is estimated that per tonne of He-3 extracted from the lunar regolith at this temperature that 6300 tonnes H, 700 tonnes N, and 1600 tonnes C (as CO and CO2) will be released.
Document ID
19920056100
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Jordan, J. L. (Lamar University Beaumont, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1992
Subject Category
Ground Support Systems And Facilities (Space)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 92-1665Report Number: AIAA PAPER 92-1665