A recent study from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) highlights the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to model propellant production utilizing in-situ resources. This research is crucial for making future space exploration more sustainable and cost-effective by leveraging resources available on other planetary bodies.
In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) is gaining traction as a method to reduce mission expenses by utilizing resources found in space. A primary focus is the creation of rocket fuel from resources available on the Moon and Mars, which would significantly decrease the amount of material that needs to be transported from Earth.
NASA is actively collaborating with OxEon Energy to create a system capable of transforming lunar soil into oxygen and methane. This system incorporates a condenser designed to separate water from methane, situated between the methanation reactor and the Solid Oxide Electrolysis (SOE) system. Researchers at UTEP have directed their CFD efforts towards this condenser, utilizing STAR-CCM+, a Siemens-developed software, to simulate and optimize its performance.
The CFD model focuses on key metrics such as the condensation rate and the gas mass flow rate, both measured in grams per hour. These metrics are vital for enhancing the condenser's efficiency in separating water from methane, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness of ISRU technologies. By optimizing propellant production in space, space missions can become more feasible and affordable.