Design issues and challenges in lunar/Martian mining applications

Satish, Hemanth; Radziszewski, Peter; Ouellet, J.

doi:10.1179/037178405x53917

Cited by 13 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…The third challenge of hydraulic systems is their high potential for fluid contamination. On the lunar and Martian surfaces, micro-size dust storms can easily penetrate into the moving parts and enter the hydraulic fluid [88]. The dust is intensely abrasive and can chiefly result in premature failure of the seals as well as wear problems.…”

Section: Hydraulic Power Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review of Different Aspects of Off-Earth Drilling

Knez

Khalilidermani²

2021

Energies

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Off-Earth drilling may be assumed as the second phase of space exploration to discover the unrevealed subsurface on the planetary bodies. It accelerates future space objectives such as in-situ propellant production, mineral exploitation, and space tourism. Owing to the rampant progress in modern technology, the new drill tools mounted on the sophisticated robots are capable to drill the planetary regolith dispersed on the celestial objects; however, formidable obstacles such as microgravity, vacuum condition, and temperature fluctuation as well as the weight limitation, lack of real-time drilling analysis, and remote robot-operator communication impose pressing restrictions on the quick development of space drilling tools. In this study, research on the past and present aspects of off-Earth drilling has been implemented to illuminate the horizon of this technology in the near-term future. The context encompasses a detailed description of the limitations, applications and mechanisms of the different drilling techniques adopted for planetary bodies. A particular emphasis is put on the hydraulic power systems which have not been satisfactorily deployed in off-Earth drilling yet. The research strives to glance over the pivotal aspects of off-Earth drilling to contribute to the future drilling programs planned by the national and private space agencies.

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Section: Hydraulic Power Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review of Different Aspects of Off-Earth Drilling

Knez

Khalilidermani²

2021

Energies

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“…A more detailed review of different technologies and design issues pertaining to mining in space can be found in [1].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review of Mining Technologies for Space

Satish

Radziszewski²,

Ouellet³

2011

PCEEA

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“…Optimal combination of both mechanical methods and novel energy methods for rock fragmentation, drawing a trade off between the energy and mass, would be a desirable option for space applications. 1 In the present paper, one such method of application of low power microwaves to induce thermal cracks in basaltic rock samples, before use of mechanical methods is investigated for possible space bound as well as terrestrial applications.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating microwave assisted rock breakage for possible space mining applications

Satish¹,

Ouellet²,

Raghavan³

et al. 2006

Mining Technology

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An optimal combination of mechanical means and microwave energy to break rock material could prove beneficial for space applications in terms of large scale production drilling or rock removal processes. In the present paper, application of low power microwave pulses was used to induce thermal cracks in rock samples, before use of mechanical breakage methods. The present investigation is conducted with the scope of possible space bound and terrestrial applications. Experimental studies were carried out to assess the low power (,150 W) microwave susceptibility of terrestrial basaltic rock samples (chosen for its close chemical similarity to lunar and Martian rocks). Point load tests were carried out on the microwaved rock samples in order to determine their strength before and after exposure to microwaves. The preliminary experimental results showed that the basalt rock samples used were quite susceptible to the exposure of low power microwaves. From the point load test results, a decreasing trend is observed in terms of strength of the rock samples with microwave exposure duration. Some rock samples even presented visible macro cracking and even splitting for the longest exposure duration used in this experimental program.

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Design issues and challenges in lunar/Martian mining applications

Cited by 13 publications

References 25 publications

A Review of Different Aspects of Off-Earth Drilling

A Review of Different Aspects of Off-Earth Drilling

A Review of Mining Technologies for Space

Investigating microwave assisted rock breakage for possible space mining applications

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