Inspenet, July 31, 2023.
The Blue Origin company has obtained a “Tipping Point” contract from NASA, valued at 35 million dollars to further develop its “Blue Alchemist” technology. This innovation, introduced earlier this year, holds promise for the ability to turn lunar dust into solar cells .
The “Blue Alchemist” technology is a complete, stand-alone, commercial solution that harnesses lunar regolith, a mixture of dust and rock abundant on the Moon’s surface, to produce solar cells and power transmission cables . The process behind this impressive engineering is called molten regolith electrolysis .
Using this approach, it is possible to obtain unlimited amounts of electricity and power transmission cables at any point on the lunar surface . The company has an internal transport system that transports and separates molten material at temperatures above 1,600 degrees Celsius in an efficient and controlled manner, withstanding corrosive and high-temperature environments.
From lunar dust to electricity
The process involves passing an electrical current through the molten regolith. During electrolysis, metals such as iron, aluminum, and silicon are extracted, separating them from the oxygen with which they are combined. While oxygen bubbles are formed in one of the reactors, the separation of metals and metalloids from oxygen occurs.
As a result of this operation, silicon with a purity of 99.99% is obtained, ideal for manufacturing solar cells. Blue Origin claims that its “Blue Alchemist” technology allows these solar cells to be produced in a carbon-free manner, without the use of water, toxic ingredients, or additional chemicals. Furthermore, this process generates oxygen as a by-product, useful for propulsion and life support in space.
Blue Alchemist technology has unlimited growth potential, which would allow energy constraints to be overcome anywhere on the Moon. In addition, the company believes that this space innovation could be applied on Earth to develop more environmentally friendly systems and combat climate change.
NASA views “Blue Alchemist” as a “Tipping Point” where their investment could turn this innovation into a viable commercial solution. The recent investment will enable a demonstration of autonomous operation in a simulated lunar environment by 2026.
Regarding the subject, Pat Remias, vice president of the Space Systems Development Capabilities Directorate, expressed the following: “Exploiting the vast resources of space for the benefit of the Earth is part of our mission. We are inspired and grateful to receive this investment from NASA to advance our innovation.”
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