Mars aqueous processing system

Abstract

The Mars Aqueous Processing System (MAPS) is a novel technology for producing iron, high-grade metal oxides, and oxygen from Mars soils. These materials are suitable for use as-is and are also excellent feeds for further refining to produce steel, ceramics, glass, and light metals. The closed-loop process employs sulfuric acid extraction of soil followed by selective recovery of constituents by crystallization or precipitation initiated by pH adjustment using magnesium hydroxide base. Process reagents can be prepared on Mars from magnesium sulfate salts and water. Oxygen is recovered as a byproduct of iron oxide reduction. Alumina, magnesia, and calcia products (at greater than 94 percent purity) are useful refractory materials for manufacture of insulation, furnace liners, casting molds, and structural components. MAPS soil extraction residues are elevated in silica content and are suitable for preparation of thermally-fused materials and glass. MAPS residues can also be used to produce water-based structural materials such as saltor magnesia-bonded concrete. The MAPS technology would be implemented after an initial human presence is established and fundamental in-situ resource utilization technologies have been demonstrated. MAPS will enable fabrication of complex structural components for habitats, machinery, spare parts, and other materials to support human self-sufficiency on Mars. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.