Lunar Water Extraction: Design, Optimization, and Development for Future Space Exploration
Creators: name: Heitkamp, Mart
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024

description: The inspiration for this study began with a shared desire in extracting water from Lunar regolith, specifically the phase transitions that must occur for successful extraction. During my initial research, I noticed that much of the existing work focused primarily on either the thermal properties of regolith or on simplified sublimation models. This observation opened an opportunity for me to explore and integrate the entire sequence of essential processes—sublimation, deposition, and finally, liquefaction—offering a more complete insight into water extraction on the Moon. This work, therefore, aims to provide a comprehensive model that aligns with LUWEX’s standards and demonstrates the functionality of a full-scale process needed for Lunar water extraction.

Only two years ago, I first encountered the world of aerospace. After completing a successful internship at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), I felt the need to return to this field. Fortunately, the University of Twente offered me the chance to advance my Master’s education in Mechanical Engineering, which led to my return to DLR for this thesis work. Working within the LUWEX project has been a great opportunity, allowing me to collaborate with fellow researchers invested in the potential of Lunar resources. The chance to be part of such a significant project has been both a privilege and a source of inspiration. As part of this experience, I attended conferences and engaged with the aerospace community. The Space Resources Week in Luxembourg was particularly eye-opening, presenting challenges and insights into the field of Lunar resource utilization. The Space Tech Expo in Bremen also broadened my perspective, gathering experts from across the space industry.

Participating in a large-scale project allowed me to observe and contribute to the development phases that are essential to aerospace engineering, including the experimental phase of the Lunar water extraction system. Being part of the team that built and tested a prototype was challenging. The team encountered design flaws in the setup, pushing me and us to confront new, uncharted territories and unknowns still present in aerospace. Personally, this has been the most rewarding part of my journey—the thrill of contributing to a field where so much remains to be explored.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Luca Kiewiet for his invaluable guidance and mentorship throughout my thesis. Working alongside him was not only an educational journey but a thoroughly enjoyable experience. His passion for aerospace and deep expertise as a researcher served as a constant source of motivation. I wish him all the best as he completes his PhD thesis. I am also appreciative of the LUWEX team and colleagues for welcoming me into the project and allowing me to participate in every crucial phase of the water extraction process. Special thanks to Paul Zabel and the SMU-group for giving me the opportunity to return to the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Bremen, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience. I extend my thanks to Arne van Garrel from the University of Twente for his consistent guidance, insights, and support throughout the duration of my graduation project.

During my time at DLR, I had the privilege of engaging in thorough discussions on aerospace topics with Christoph Kalis and Daniel Reppert. These conversations were not only intellectually stimulating but also fostered a sense of camaraderie. I am truly grateful for their support and for the moments we shared.

Looking ahead, I am optimistic that as LUWEX moves beyond its experimental phase, this study will serve as a foundational piece of evidence proving that Lunar water extraction is not just feasible but can be optimized for future space missions. This project represents a significant step forward in bridging research and practical application in space exploration. Although my journey in aerospace is still relatively new, the past two years have been immensely rewarding and have solidified my passion for the field. I eagerly look forward to continuing this path, contributing my skills, and supporting the future of space exploration.