Multi-stage Oxygen and Regolith Resource Extractor

Blueshift LLC d/b/a Outward Technologies proposes to continue development of a Multi-stage Oxygen and Regolith Resource Extractor (MORRE) for the production of high purity minerals and metals in addition to oxygen from lunar regolith. The underlying method utilizes novel process and temperature control systems to extend terrestrial vacuum metallurgical extraction processes used since the 1940rsquo;s to lunar regolith feedstocks not typically associated with vacuum metallurgy. MORRE requires little to no process consumables while yielding multiple high purity products. The process takes advantage of the lunar environment and utilizes demonstrated terrestrial industrial processes to reduce technical risk. Development of the MORRE concept will increase humanityrsquo;s presence in space by leveraging the readily available ultra-high vacuum on the Moon to unlock the abundant resources found within lunar regolith. nbsp;The MORRE system not only enables the production of high purity materials on the lunar surface, but can also be implemented for space-based vacuum metallurgical processes that are currently not economically viable in terrestrial industries. The objective of the Phase II project is to raise the technology readiness level of the MORRE system from TRL4 to TRL5. A medium fidelity prototype reactor will be manufactured and tested. Thermodynamic and kinetic models will be developed and validated through MORRE prototype testing in a relevant vacuum environment.