Systems and methods for in-situ resource processing and in-situ resource utilisation

Abstract

A system and method for in-situ resource processing are provided. The system includes an electrolytic cell configured to contain molten regolith. The system further includes an anode and a cathode configured to be provided at the molten regolith. The system further includes a variable electrical source configured to apply a stepped voltage across the anode and the cathode to obtain decomposition of a first metal oxide, and vary the stepped voltage to obtain decomposition of a second metal oxide. Another system and method for in-situ resource processing are provided. The system includes a vacuum chamber configured to contain regolith. The system further includes a variable temperature control configured to apply a stepped temperature to the vacuum chamber to obtain decomposition of a first metal oxide, and vary the stepped temperature to obtain decomposition of a second metal oxide.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.