Posted on Agoracom, Never got an Answer: Future in Space? Hi Peter / Discussion Board,
As you probably know, the Artemis program, being the next generation of space exploration, is looking to start the creation of a permanent base of operation on the lunar surface. With this will come the need to not solely rely on materials brought within transport, but use the most abundant (and sole) resources that make up the lunar regolith.
As it is, the regolith can be either used as an aggregate, mixed with a binder, to make crude but effective shelter material, or as a base component in mineral extraction and refinement.
Being composed of roughly 60% oxygen, 16-17% silicon, and aluminum, ranging between 10% in the lunar highlands to 4.5% in the mare basalts; regolith seems to be composed of minerals that Pyrogenesis has had an increasingly large experience dealing with.
Silicon will definitely be needed for further production of permanent and expanded solar energy systems, as well the aluminum for tools and structures, where oxygen liberated from the aluminum reduction process will be necessary for either extended missions through breathable atmosphere or water production. This is not even going into detail about necessities that Pyro's 3D printing technology could help enhance/solve for the Artemis program and futher settlements.
So my question, with all that being said, is do you see Pyro being able to expand into space mining and refinement? If so, how would you personally like to see Pyrogenesis play a part in the near future of the Artemis program, or further along in the commercialization of space.
From a fellow Futurist,
Jupitorre