Survey of Perchlorate Extraction and Potential Uses on Mars

Abstract

In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) is an important consideration for any manned Mars mission. This is especially true for the manufacture of oxygen for both respiration and as an oxidizer for rocket propellant. To this end, the literature focuses primarily on conversion of the carbon dioxide Martian atmosphere through various means. Proposed herein is an alternative method that makes use of the perchlorates found in the Martian regolith. Mars offers an abundant source of this material with confirmed measured concentrations upwards of one percent from two landing sites. A summary of methods for extracting perchlorate compounds and separating them into more useable constituents is discussed. A number of uses for the raw materials are discussed, including in-situ oxygen production and solid oxygen candles. An additional and promising use is direct mixing of the perchlorate compounds as the solid oxidizer in a solid rocket motor configuration using suitable binder and fuel combinations. I. Background and Rationalepace exploration has been both a triumph and a struggle for the human race since the dream of leaving Earth became reality over 60 years ago. In this evolution the primary restrictive factor involves the propellant, specifically the method and efficiency in which propellant is expelled. The industry is fast-approaching the limit for improvements in chemical propulsion specific impulse [1], measured as the efficiency in which a mass of propellant is converted to useable thrust impulse. Space missions have turned to alternative forms of power and propulsion in order to boost specific impulse thusly circumventing the chemical propulsion efficiency limit at the expense of lower thruster and therefore longer flight times. In this way low-thrust, high efficiency electrical and nuclear power propulsion systems are a necessary step in the advancement of propulsion due to their achievable efficiency [2].