Thermodynamic modeling of in-situ rocket propellant fabrication on Mars

Shah Saud Alam; Christopher Depcik; Sindhu Preetham Burugupally; Jared Hobeck; Ethan McDaniel

doi:10.1016/j.isci.2022.104323

Thermodynamic modeling of in-situ rocket propellant fabrication on Mars

iScience. 2022 Apr 29;25(5):104323. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104323. eCollection 2022 May 20.

Authors

Shah Saud Alam¹, Christopher Depcik¹, Sindhu Preetham Burugupally², Jared Hobeck³, Ethan McDaniel²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA.
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260, USA.
³ Alan Levin Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.

Abstract

In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) to refuel rockets on Mars will become critical in the future. The current effort presents a thorough feasibility analysis of a scalable, Matlab-based, integrated ISRU framework from the standpoint of the second law of thermodynamics. The ISRU model is based on existing technology that can utilize Martian resources (regolith and atmosphere) to produce rocket propellants. Model simulations show that the system analysis is theoretically consistent with a positive entropy generation, and the achievable mass flow rates of liquid methane and liquid oxygen can potentially meet the 16-month rocket refueling deadline (on Mars) as desired by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. However, the model is sensitive to liquid oxygen storage temperatures, and lower temperatures are necessary to minimize compressor work. This proof-of-concept model can open avenues for further experimental evaluation of the system to achieve a higher technology readiness level.

Keywords: Chemistry; Power material; Space sciences; Thermodynamics.