Arcs of 'lightning' on the moon could be the future of lunar mining

[Judi Lynn]

By Chelsea Gohd 12 hours ago



Researchers have come up with a new technique for lunar mining known as "ablative arc mining." This image shows the March 2021 night sky Full Worm Moon. (Image credit: Starry Night)


Could shooting arcs of "lightning" across the surface of the moon allow us to mine metal and water from the lunar surface at the same time?

For years, the concept of "lunar mining" has intrigued scientists, space agencies and entrepreneurs alike. Our rocky satellite houses precious resources like water and metals that could be critical for future crewed missions, providing water, which could be turned into rocket fuel, and other valuable materials. Scientists are also keen to study these resources and the commercial sector has shown interest in lunar mining as well. The U.S. government even green-lit a policy supporting lunar mining in 2020.

One new technique called "ablative arc mining," which is part of a project led by Amelia Grieg, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the Aerospace Center at the University of Texas in El Paso, would allow for water, metals and other resources to all be pulled from the lunar surface material all at once, improving upon older lunar mining concepts and methods.

The technique would use an arc of electricity, Grieg told Space.com, and would be "like putting lightning over the surface of the moon."

More:
https://www.space.com/lunar-resources-water-metal-mining?utm_source=notification

👀

[hunter]

1. The far side of the moon might be a good place for a replacement Arecibo telescope...

... but I can't think of many other reasons to hang out there.

Nevertheless, shaving my head and wearing a shiny purple wig was awesome.

[Judi Lynn]

2. Out of curiosity, looked up Episode I. OMG.

Thanks for introducing this series. Looks as if there's more in YouTube, for some reason! Wow. "Far out!"