/sci/ - Science & Math

>>15119964
NASA is funding research for a LOx pipeline on the moon. NIAC selected Lunar Resource Inc's molten oxide electrolysis system for oxygen production for oxidizers and life support.

>Our starting concept is for a 5 km pipeline to transport oxygen gas from an oxygen production source, for example our molten regolith electrolysis (MRE) extraction site or any other source, to an oxygen storage/liquification plant near a lunar base.
>L-SPoP is composed of in-situ manufactured pipe segments that are passivated and welded or fitted together to span the 5 km distance.
>Based on preliminary analysis, we are assuming the in-situ pipe is built in modular segments from in-situ aluminum as its prevalent at the South Pole, is extractable in high purity with MRE, can be directly extruded into pipe shape, and can be oxidized to passivate.
>Other in-situ metals which will also be analyzed for consideration include iron and magnesium, with a lunar glass passivation coating applied through vacuum deposition onto the internal diameter of the pipe.

Sadoway Chads are in control.

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/niac/2023/Lunar_South_Pole_Oxygen_Pipeline/