Systems and methods for radiant gas dynamic mining of permafrost for propellant extraction
US11143026B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 7, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02S20/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed for mining lunar and Martian polar permafrost to extract gas propellants. The method can comprise identifying a plurality of near-polar landing sites in craters in which the surface comprises permafrost in perpetual darkness, wherein such landing sites have perpetual sunlight available at altitudes of about 100 to 200 m. A mining outpost can be established in at least one of the sites and a high altitude solar array deployed at the landing site using a lightweight mast tall enough to generate near continuous power for the outpost. Systems and apparatus are disclosed for mining the permafrost at the landing sites using radiant gas dynamic mining procedures. The systems can comprise a rover vehicle with an integrated large area dome for cryotrapping gases released from the surface and multi-wavelength radiant heating systems to provide adjustable heating as a function of depth.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.