Oxygen extraction from the lunar topsoil?

The European Space Agency’s ESA developed a device that produced oxygen from the topsoil called regolith, a stony-dust-like substance on the surface of the moon, and began a test run.

This device can extract oxygen from Legolis using a method called molten salt electrolysis, and build a base on the moon in the future to supply oxygen for breathing and fuel needed for astronauts’ survival. Legolis consists of 45% oxygen, but it has to be very hot to take out oxygen because it is in a strong connection with other metals or glass components. The device developed by ESA extracts oxygen from these Legolis through molten salt electrolysis at low temperatures. The device is currently being tested using materials that are compatible with Legolis.

This method removes oxygen from Legolis and makes it available as an alloy for base construction. It can be a material suitable for realizing life on the moon, such as being used for processing metal or materials for repairing broken equipment.

Currently, the device is only producing oxygen, and nothing else is yet to be done. For the alloy that deoxygenates and makes, you must decide which type of alloy is most suitable. ESA’s ultimate goal is to design a pilot plant that will continue to operate on the moon after first demonstrating its technology in mid-2020. If such oxygen plant development is realized, the days when astronauts will stay for a long time may be realized faster than expected. Related information can be found here .