Preliminary study on localized microwave sintering of lunar regolith.

The pioneering objective of a permanent outpost on the lunar surface requires the development of technologies for in situ resource utilisation. Consolidation of lunar soil into products is imperative to avoid unaffordable transportation burdens. The paper addresses the feasibility of the Local Microwave Heating effect as a promising technology for sintering lunar regolith based on microwave radiation, with a simple solid-state generator requiring a relatively modest amount of energy. Experiments were conducted using terrestrial simulants with physical and chemical properties similar to those of lunar regolith. Laboratory equipment with a purpose-built microwave actuator was designed and manufactured with "Design for Embarking" in mind. Experiments have demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed technology with a reasonable degree of confidence. Solid artefacts were obtained with proper setting of microwave parameters and appropriate scanning strategy, proving the feasibility of regolith sintering with a localised microwave source A roadmap for future development of the technology has been established. • Preliminary study on Localized Microwave Sintering of Lunar Regolith: Highlights. • Localized Microwave Heating is effective to consolidate lunar regolith simulants. • A solid-state generator with an open-end antenna is a promising lightweight low-energy system for ISRU. • Microwave heating of regolith is feasible regardless of the simulant's ilmenite content. • The technique can be used to produce 3D parts using an additive approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]