Solar and carbothermal reactor to obtain hydrogen and oxygen in artificial photosynthesis on the Moon (solcarox)
- Paper ID
89931
- DOI
- author
- company
Descubre Robótica
- country
Costa Rica
- year
2024
- abstract
\begin{document} Mining on the Moon is a fact. There is no going back. But using renewable solutions from the beginning will allow us to sustain lunar resources intelligently. Future processes that require high concentrations of elements that are at hand on Earth will require a process involved on the Moon. On Earth, we take advantage of the Sun and its energy. On the Moon it should be the same principle. It is therefore the construction of solar reactors, an alternative to produce hydrogen, oxygen and heat (for space stoves). The construction of a system, on a pilot scale, can be achieved with unprecedented efficiency. If lunar spaces can be designed to create and build elements that concentrate solar radiation in proportions thousands of times, we can convert lunar ice into water, water into hydrogen, heat and oxygen, with renewable capacities. Given the possibility of creating technology that generates several kilowatts, we can create what is called artificial photosynthesis, seeking the production of hydrogen and oxygen from water using solar energy. On the other hand, in terms of carbothermic reactions and using Ellingham diagrams, we can analyze the temperature dependence of the compounds in the lunar soil to create other elements, including oxygen. These equilibrium temperatures will allow advances in material technologies for the construction of the Moon Village. Our proposal is the construction of several solar and carbothermic reactors to obtain hydrogen and oxygen in artificial photosynthesis on the Moon. A version in a rover vehicle with the appropriate dimensions would allow displacement and movement between areas of the Moon. Through the Artemis missions, humanity is preparing to bring the first woman and the first person of color to the surface of the Moon, paving the way for a long-term lunar presence and serving as a springboard for space explorers in their way to Mars. Democratizing these ideas will create space for alliances between countries to seek the same objective, and not for different camps to operate freely, exploiting the resources of the Moon. \end{document}