How to Extract Oxygen from the Moon

This week saw one of the most important announcements made in the past decade. Scientists were finally able to conclude that water ice existed on the Moon, and their theory is supported by scientific measurements conducted by three separate instruments. Additionally, the find could be again proven next month, when the LCROSS impactor is scheduled to hit a Southern lunar crater, and to send up spews of the stuff, if it exists. Now, scientists also announce that they are working on an oxygen generator, which could be used to provide the essential chemical for long-term explorers.

Ever since humans first set foot on the Moon, they have been fascinated by going back, and by exploring it from a lunar outpost. However, at this point, this is nearly impossible, mostly because of the costs associated with building such a forward base. Another great challenge is that water and oxygen, two essential chemicals for human life, cannot be found on the Moon in sufficiently large quantities and concentrations. When NASA offered a $250,000 prize to whoever would devise a method of extracting oxygen from dirt, two years went by without any conclusive results.

Now, scientists at the American space agency, and the Case Western Reserve University are they themselves developing an instrument that would essentially be able to extract oxygen from silicon dioxide and metal oxides, which can be found plentifully on the surface of the Earth's natural satellite, Space reports. The effort has already produced effective sifters, which are badly needed, if a constant stream of oxides is to be achieved.

Assistant Research Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Julie Kleinhenz said in a statement that NASA was also looking at developing a heavy-duty rover that would be in charge of digging up soil, carrying it, and then placing it inside a special reservoir. Such a setup would ensure that at least a minimal amount of reserves was always stored. In terms of safety, this is absolutely necessary. If the rover broke down, and no more oxides could be dug up, then explorers would need some time to get it back up.