GaLORE (Gaseous Lunar Oxygen from Regolith Electrolysis): Technology Advances for a Cold-Walled Molten Regolith Electrolysis Reactor

NASA’s Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative (LSII) has set a figure of merit goal of producing 10 t of oxygen per year during the sustainable phase of the Artemis program on the lunar surface. The MRE technology operates by electrolyzing a pool of molten regolith into metal and oxygen in a simple, single-step reaction that requires minimal consumable materials. Electrolysis of regolith has been previously demonstrated on a small scale by heating an electrolysis test cell beyond the melting point of regolith and performing electrolysis for up to 8-10 hours. The elevated temperature of the test cell produced a corrosive interface between the molten regolith and the crucible walls, limiting the potential lifespan of the reactor. The Gaseous Lunar Oxygen from Regolith Electrolysis (GaLORE) project was funded by NASA’s STMD to advance MRE technology by developing a “cold-walled” reactor design wherein regolith is melted in a localized area between two electrodes, while creating a thermal insulation barrier to protect the containment wall from the corrosive melt. This type of next generation reactor concept has been under development as molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) by MIT and Boston Metal, Inc. for the production of iron from pure ore for terrestrial application.