Blue Origin develops technology to make solar cells and power lines from moon rocks
Attempts to create simulated materials of ``
Blue Alchemist Technology Powers our Lunar Future | Blue Origin
https://www.blueorigin.com/news/blue-alchemist-powers-our-lunar-future/
In order to realize a long-term stay on the moon, abundant electric power is necessary. In order to build facilities to secure electric power, it is clearly not enough to use only the equipment brought in from the earth, so a method of using rocks that can be obtained on the moon has been proposed. To achieve this, Blue Origin implements an approach called the 'Blue Alchemist.'
In this approach, methods are being explored to create simulated materials that are chemically and mineralogically equivalent to lunar regolith and to manufacture the necessary parts.
The simulated material made is melted by being heated to a temperature exceeding 1600 degrees in Blue Origin's unique equipment that is resistant to high temperatures and corrosion, and iron, silicon, aluminum, etc. are taken out. Oxygen is produced as a by-product in this process, but it seems that this can be used to maintain life activities in outer space.
Among the substances extracted through the above smelting process, silicon is the substance that is indispensable for making solar cells. The silicon used for solar cells must be of high purity, but the Blue Origin process can extract silicon with a purity of 99.999% or more, so it is suitable for making efficient solar cells.
In addition, the general silicon smelting method on the earth uses a large amount of toxic and explosive chemicals, but the Blue Origin process does not use such things at all.
When using solar cells on the moon, it is necessary to protect the solar cells from the radiation that falls on the moon, but it is also possible to manufacture cover glass that can be used for that protection. By attaching a cover glass, it seems that solar cells, which normally last only a few days, can be operated for more than 10 years. Wires for power transmission can also be manufactured using the same process.
It is also worth noting that the above process can be used to produce solar cells with zero carbon emissions, no water, no toxic ingredients or other chemicals, making it possible to operate not only on the moon but also on Earth.
“Our technology is ambitious, but it is already a reality. From the moon to Mars 'It is also consistent with the plan.
In addition, Blue Origin wanted to provide a spacecraft to be used for NASA's lunar exploration mission `` Artemis plan '', but it has lost the competition with competing SpaceX.
Jeff Bezos loses lawsuit over NASA's lunar landing mission `` Artemis plan '' spacecraft contract, gives up seat to Elon Mask's SpaceX - GIGAZINE
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