PRODUCTION AND USE OF METALS AND OXYGEN FOR LUNAR PROPULSION

This article discusses production, power, and propulsion technologies for using oxygen and metals derived from lunar resources. The producti on process is described, and several of the more developed processes a re discussed. Power requirements for chemical, thermal, and electrical production methods are compared. The discussion includes potential im pact of ongoing pow er technology programs on lunar production require ments. This study also compares the performance potential of several p ossible metal fuels including aluminum, silicon, iron, and titanium. S pace propulsion technology in the area of metal/oxygen rocket engines is discussed.