Processing of Lunar Regolith for Construction Activities via Multiple-Use Microwave Sources

Construction methodologies with lunar regolith have identified microwave power as a potential gamechanger because of its simplicity, versatility, and multiple-use capability. Recognizing the potential of a broader lunar ldquo;microwave economyrdquo; will help advance a host of operations on the moon, including construction. Recent advances in high-power solid-state microwave power generators (rather than the current magnetron-based technology) mean that alternative/green/intermittent sources of energy can be used for their operation.X-Hab 3D and research institute Penn State will examine the feasibility and applicability of multiple-use high-power microwave sources to support a range of lunar construction operations. We will develop a concept of operations for microwave power beaming from a central high-power microwave source to various systems. We will demonstrate via proof-of-concept the efficacy of high-power microwaves for several construction operations including microwave curing of lunar concrete, preprocessing of regolith, and smelting of regolith-derived ores for structural reinforcement of lunar concrete.