Marspedia - User contributions [en]

Silicon

2020-08-14T09:29:27Z

Gladiator Decimus Meridius: Added Wikipedia ref for silicon wafers.

{{element|elementSymbol=Si|elementName=Silicon|protons=14|abundance=27,7% ([[regolith]])}}
'''Silicon''' (''periodic table symbol:'' Si14) is a chemical element<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon</ref> that can be found in several [[minerals]] on [[Mars]].

==Chemistry==
[[File:Cyclohexasilane_cyclohexane_cyclohexasiloxane.png‎|frame|right|Structure of cyclohexasilane (top), cyclohexasiloxane (bottom right) and the [[hydrocarbon]] cyclohexane (bottom left).]]
As a group 14 element, silicon has a chemistry similar to that of [[tin]] and [[lead]], and especially that of [[carbon]] and [[germanium]]. 
As we go down from carbon at the top of group 14, the reactivity (and electropositivity) of the elements increases. At the same time, the bond [[enthalpy]] decreases for chains of the element<ref name="Housecroft_Sharpe">C.E. Housecroft & A.G. Sharpe - ''Inorganic chemistry'' 2012. ISBN 978-0-273-74275-3 pp. 433, 444-446.</ref>. That is, C-C bonds are more stable than Si-Si bonds, which are more stable than Ge-Ge bonds, etc. The strength of their bonds with hydrogen similarly decreases. This is why, for example, [[methane]] is more stable than [[Silicon#Silanes|silane]]. 
Despite the instability of silicon chains relative to their carbon analogues, they are industrially significant.

===Silanes===
The silanes are acyclic chains of singly-bonded silicon atoms analogous to the [[alkanes]]. The cyclosilanes are (highly unstable) cyclic silanes.

===Silenes===
The silenes are acyclic chains of doubly-bonded silicon atoms, analogous to the [[alkenes]].

===Siloxanes===
Due to the instability of Si-Si bonds, longer chains of silicon atoms are often constructed with some other atom between the silicon atoms, which bonds more strongly to them. In the case of the siloxanes, this results in Si-O-Si chains. For comparison, the enthalpy of a Si-O bond is in higher than that of a C-C single bond but lower than that of a C=C double bond, and more than twice that of a Si-Si bond.

Silicones are made of polymers of siloxane.

===Silicates===
Silica, SIO2 ,is the most common compound found in the martian crust. Other silicates exist as well, in the general SiOx form. Quartz is pure SiO2 in crystalline form.

==Occurrence==
Analysis of Martian soil<ref name="Pathfinder">NASA JPL - [http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/MPF/science/apxs_elemental.html ''Mars Pathfinder: Analysis of Martian Samples by the Alpha Proton X-Ray Spectrometer: Preliminary Results''] Access 2013-04-28.</ref> shows a composition broadly similar to that of Earth, with oxygen and silicon also taking the first and second respective positions.

Silicon is the second most common element in the earth's crust (after [[oxygen]]); in fact their compound [[silica]] makes up about 60% of the crust, as on Mars. 

==Silica production==
Silica can be obtained [[In-situ resource utilization|in-situ]] directly from the martian regolith. However is is usually mixed with contaminants and will usually require a separation process before it can be used for martian industry. There may have been geological processes that have concentrated silica into easily usable forms. Silica production for glass has en [[embodied energy]] of 6-15 MJ/kg.

Silica dust is a known cancer causing agent. Dust collectors and atmospheric treatment systems will be required in production areas.

==Silicon production==
Silicon production is usually a by product of steel production.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon#Production</ref>

[[Embodied energy]] of silicon depends on its purity<ref>https://greenchemuoft.wordpress.com/2017/12/12/embodied-energy-and-solar-cells/</ref>. Solar cell grade silicon crystals have 1656 MJ/kg of embodied energy. Transforming these into solar cells adds 432 MJ/kg for a total of 2088 MJ/kg.

Clean rooms can be extremely expensive to build for production of electronic products.

==[[Uses]]==

*Silicate (or Quartz) is the main components of glass
*Sand, usually composed of a large parts of silicates, is an essential construction material
*Stone, concrete and bricks are largely composed of silicates. Therefore silica is a prime construction material for a martian settlement

*Silicon is the main material for monocrystalline wafers, used for [[solar panel]]s and for electronics.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wafer_(electronics)</ref>

*Silicon is needed for [[silicone synthesis]] to produce [[synthetic materials]]. High-purity silicon (produced by deposition from silanes) is used as a semiconductor in electronics (after being suitably doped). There are alternatives, such as germanium, though their exact performance characteristics vary and silicon is the obvious choice due to its abundance.
*Silicon Carbide, SiC, is used in metallurgy and is an extremely hard ceramic.
*Silicon is used in the production of iron.
{{science question|How pure does silicon need to be? - [[User:PeterBrett|Peter]]}}

==References==
<references />

Silicon

2020-08-14T09:21:12Z

Gladiator Decimus Meridius: /* Uses */ Fixed reference to monocrystalline wafers.

{{element|elementSymbol=Si|elementName=Silicon|protons=14|abundance=27,7% ([[regolith]])}}
'''Silicon''' (''periodic table symbol:'' Si14) is a chemical element<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon</ref> that can be found in several [[minerals]] on [[Mars]].

==Chemistry==
[[File:Cyclohexasilane_cyclohexane_cyclohexasiloxane.png‎|frame|right|Structure of cyclohexasilane (top), cyclohexasiloxane (bottom right) and the [[hydrocarbon]] cyclohexane (bottom left).]]
As a group 14 element, silicon has a chemistry similar to that of [[tin]] and [[lead]], and especially that of [[carbon]] and [[germanium]]. 
As we go down from carbon at the top of group 14, the reactivity (and electropositivity) of the elements increases. At the same time, the bond [[enthalpy]] decreases for chains of the element<ref name="Housecroft_Sharpe">C.E. Housecroft & A.G. Sharpe - ''Inorganic chemistry'' 2012. ISBN 978-0-273-74275-3 pp. 433, 444-446.</ref>. That is, C-C bonds are more stable than Si-Si bonds, which are more stable than Ge-Ge bonds, etc. The strength of their bonds with hydrogen similarly decreases. This is why, for example, [[methane]] is more stable than [[Silicon#Silanes|silane]]. 
Despite the instability of silicon chains relative to their carbon analogues, they are industrially significant.

===Silanes===
The silanes are acyclic chains of singly-bonded silicon atoms analogous to the [[alkanes]]. The cyclosilanes are (highly unstable) cyclic silanes.

===Silenes===
The silenes are acyclic chains of doubly-bonded silicon atoms, analogous to the [[alkenes]].

===Siloxanes===
Due to the instability of Si-Si bonds, longer chains of silicon atoms are often constructed with some other atom between the silicon atoms, which bonds more strongly to them. In the case of the siloxanes, this results in Si-O-Si chains. For comparison, the enthalpy of a Si-O bond is in higher than that of a C-C single bond but lower than that of a C=C double bond, and more than twice that of a Si-Si bond.

Silicones are made of polymers of siloxane.

===Silicates===
Silica, SIO2 ,is the most common compound found in the martian crust. Other silicates exist as well, in the general SiOx form. Quartz is pure SiO2 in crystalline form.

==Occurrence==
Analysis of Martian soil<ref name="Pathfinder">NASA JPL - [http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/MPF/science/apxs_elemental.html ''Mars Pathfinder: Analysis of Martian Samples by the Alpha Proton X-Ray Spectrometer: Preliminary Results''] Access 2013-04-28.</ref> shows a composition broadly similar to that of Earth, with oxygen and silicon also taking the first and second respective positions.

Silicon is the second most common element in the earth's crust (after [[oxygen]]); in fact their compound [[silica]] makes up about 60% of the crust, as on Mars. 

==Silica production==
Silica can be obtained [[In-situ resource utilization|in-situ]] directly from the martian regolith. However is is usually mixed with contaminants and will usually require a separation process before it can be used for martian industry. There may have been geological processes that have concentrated silica into easily usable forms. Silica production for glass has en [[embodied energy]] of 6-15 MJ/kg.

Silica dust is a known cancer causing agent. Dust collectors and atmospheric treatment systems will be required in production areas.

==Silicon production==
Silicon production is usually a by product of steel production.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon#Production</ref>

[[Embodied energy]] of silicon depends on its purity<ref>https://greenchemuoft.wordpress.com/2017/12/12/embodied-energy-and-solar-cells/</ref>. Solar cell grade silicon crystals have 1656 MJ/kg of embodied energy. Transforming these into solar cells adds 432 MJ/kg for a total of 2088 MJ/kg.

Clean rooms can be extremely expensive to build for production of electronic products.

==[[Uses]]==

*Silicate (or Quartz) is the main components of glass
*Sand, usually composed of a large parts of silicates, is an essential construction material
*Stone, concrete and bricks are largely composed of silicates. Therefore silica is a prime construction material for a martian settlement

*Silicon is the main material for monocrystalline wafers, used for [[solar panel]]s and for electronics.

*Silicon is needed for [[silicone synthesis]] to produce [[synthetic materials]]. High-purity silicon (produced by deposition from silanes) is used as a semiconductor in electronics (after being suitably doped). There are alternatives, such as germanium, though their exact performance characteristics vary and silicon is the obvious choice due to its abundance.
*Silicon Carbide, SiC, is used in metallurgy and is an extremely hard ceramic.
*Silicon is used in the production of iron.
{{science question|How pure does silicon need to be? - [[User:PeterBrett|Peter]]}}

==References==
<references />

Silicon

2020-08-14T09:05:18Z

Gladiator Decimus Meridius: /* Siloxanes */ Added reference to silicone, supported by Wikipedia article.

{{element|elementSymbol=Si|elementName=Silicon|protons=14|abundance=27,7% ([[regolith]])}}
'''Silicon''' (''periodic table symbol:'' Si14) is a chemical element<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon</ref> that can be found in several [[minerals]] on [[Mars]].

==Chemistry==
[[File:Cyclohexasilane_cyclohexane_cyclohexasiloxane.png‎|frame|right|Structure of cyclohexasilane (top), cyclohexasiloxane (bottom right) and the [[hydrocarbon]] cyclohexane (bottom left).]]
As a group 14 element, silicon has a chemistry similar to that of [[tin]] and [[lead]], and especially that of [[carbon]] and [[germanium]]. 
As we go down from carbon at the top of group 14, the reactivity (and electropositivity) of the elements increases. At the same time, the bond [[enthalpy]] decreases for chains of the element<ref name="Housecroft_Sharpe">C.E. Housecroft & A.G. Sharpe - ''Inorganic chemistry'' 2012. ISBN 978-0-273-74275-3 pp. 433, 444-446.</ref>. That is, C-C bonds are more stable than Si-Si bonds, which are more stable than Ge-Ge bonds, etc. The strength of their bonds with hydrogen similarly decreases. This is why, for example, [[methane]] is more stable than [[Silicon#Silanes|silane]]. 
Despite the instability of silicon chains relative to their carbon analogues, they are industrially significant.

===Silanes===
The silanes are acyclic chains of singly-bonded silicon atoms analogous to the [[alkanes]]. The cyclosilanes are (highly unstable) cyclic silanes.

===Silenes===
The silenes are acyclic chains of doubly-bonded silicon atoms, analogous to the [[alkenes]].

===Siloxanes===
Due to the instability of Si-Si bonds, longer chains of silicon atoms are often constructed with some other atom between the silicon atoms, which bonds more strongly to them. In the case of the siloxanes, this results in Si-O-Si chains. For comparison, the enthalpy of a Si-O bond is in higher than that of a C-C single bond but lower than that of a C=C double bond, and more than twice that of a Si-Si bond.

Silicones are made of polymers of siloxane.

===Silicates===
Silica, SIO2 ,is the most common compound found in the martian crust. Other silicates exist as well, in the general SiOx form. Quartz is pure SiO2 in crystalline form.

==Occurrence==
Analysis of Martian soil<ref name="Pathfinder">NASA JPL - [http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/MPF/science/apxs_elemental.html ''Mars Pathfinder: Analysis of Martian Samples by the Alpha Proton X-Ray Spectrometer: Preliminary Results''] Access 2013-04-28.</ref> shows a composition broadly similar to that of Earth, with oxygen and silicon also taking the first and second respective positions.

Silicon is the second most common element in the earth's crust (after [[oxygen]]); in fact their compound [[silica]] makes up about 60% of the crust, as on Mars. 

==Silica production==
Silica can be obtained [[In-situ resource utilization|in-situ]] directly from the martian regolith. However is is usually mixed with contaminants and will usually require a separation process before it can be used for martian industry. There may have been geological processes that have concentrated silica into easily usable forms. Silica production for glass has en [[embodied energy]] of 6-15 MJ/kg.

Silica dust is a known cancer causing agent. Dust collectors and atmospheric treatment systems will be required in production areas.

==Silicon production==
Silicon production is usually a by product of steel production.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon#Production</ref>

[[Embodied energy]] of silicon depends on its purity<ref>https://greenchemuoft.wordpress.com/2017/12/12/embodied-energy-and-solar-cells/</ref>. Solar cell grade silicon crystals have 1656 MJ/kg of embodied energy. Transforming these into solar cells adds 432 MJ/kg for a total of 2088 MJ/kg.

Clean rooms can be extremely expensive to build for production of electronic products.

==[[Uses]]==

*Silicate (or Quartz) is the main components of glass
*Sand, usually composed of a large parts of silicates, is an essential construction material
*Stone, concrete and bricks are largely composed of silicates. Therefore silica is a prime construction material for a martian settlement

*Silicon is the main material for monocrystalline solar cells, used for [[solar panel]]s and for electronics.

*Silicon is needed for [[silicone synthesis]] to produce [[synthetic materials]]. High-purity silicon (produced by deposition from silanes) is used as a semiconductor in electronics (after being suitably doped). There are alternatives, such as germanium, though their exact performance characteristics vary and silicon is the obvious choice due to its abundance.
*Silicon Carbide, SiC, is used in metallurgy and is an extremely hard ceramic.
*Silicon is used in the production of iron.
{{science question|How pure does silicon need to be? - [[User:PeterBrett|Peter]]}}

==References==
<references />

Silicon

2020-08-14T08:33:50Z

Gladiator Decimus Meridius: /* Uses */ Minor grammar fix

{{element|elementSymbol=Si|elementName=Silicon|protons=14|abundance=27,7% ([[regolith]])}}
'''Silicon''' (''periodic table symbol:'' Si14) is a chemical element<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon</ref> that can be found in several [[minerals]] on [[Mars]].

==Chemistry==
[[File:Cyclohexasilane_cyclohexane_cyclohexasiloxane.png‎|frame|right|Structure of cyclohexasilane (top), cyclohexasiloxane (bottom right) and the [[hydrocarbon]] cyclohexane (bottom left).]]
As a group 14 element, silicon has a chemistry similar to that of [[tin]] and [[lead]], and especially that of [[carbon]] and [[germanium]]. 
As we go down from carbon at the top of group 14, the reactivity (and electropositivity) of the elements increases. At the same time, the bond [[enthalpy]] decreases for chains of the element<ref name="Housecroft_Sharpe">C.E. Housecroft & A.G. Sharpe - ''Inorganic chemistry'' 2012. ISBN 978-0-273-74275-3 pp. 433, 444-446.</ref>. That is, C-C bonds are more stable than Si-Si bonds, which are more stable than Ge-Ge bonds, etc. The strength of their bonds with hydrogen similarly decreases. This is why, for example, [[methane]] is more stable than [[Silicon#Silanes|silane]]. 
Despite the instability of silicon chains relative to their carbon analogues, they are industrially significant.

===Silanes===
The silanes are acyclic chains of singly-bonded silicon atoms analogous to the [[alkanes]]. The cyclosilanes are (highly unstable) cyclic silanes.

===Silenes===
The silenes are acyclic chains of doubly-bonded silicon atoms, analogous to the [[alkenes]].

===Siloxanes===
Due to the instability of Si-Si bonds, longer chains of silicon atoms are often constructed with some other atom between the silicon atoms, which bonds more strongly to them. In the case of the siloxanes, this results in Si-O-Si chains. For comparison, the enthalpy of a Si-O bond is in higher than that of a C-C single bond but lower than that of a C=C double bond, and more than twice that of a Si-Si bond.

===Silicates===
Silica, SIO2 ,is the most common compound found in the martian crust. Other silicates exist as well, in the general SiOx form. Quartz is pure SiO2 in crystalline form.

==Occurrence==
Analysis of Martian soil<ref name="Pathfinder">NASA JPL - [http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/MPF/science/apxs_elemental.html ''Mars Pathfinder: Analysis of Martian Samples by the Alpha Proton X-Ray Spectrometer: Preliminary Results''] Access 2013-04-28.</ref> shows a composition broadly similar to that of Earth, with oxygen and silicon also taking the first and second respective positions.

Silicon is the second most common element in the earth's crust (after [[oxygen]]); in fact their compound [[silica]] makes up about 60% of the crust, as on Mars. 

==Silica production==
Silica can be obtained [[In-situ resource utilization|in-situ]] directly from the martian regolith. However is is usually mixed with contaminants and will usually require a separation process before it can be used for martian industry. There may have been geological processes that have concentrated silica into easily usable forms. Silica production for glass has en [[embodied energy]] of 6-15 MJ/kg.

Silica dust is a known cancer causing agent. Dust collectors and atmospheric treatment systems will be required in production areas.

==Silicon production==
Silicon production is usually a by product of steel production.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon#Production</ref>

[[Embodied energy]] of silicon depends on its purity<ref>https://greenchemuoft.wordpress.com/2017/12/12/embodied-energy-and-solar-cells/</ref>. Solar cell grade silicon crystals have 1656 MJ/kg of embodied energy. Transforming these into solar cells adds 432 MJ/kg for a total of 2088 MJ/kg.

Clean rooms can be extremely expensive to build for production of electronic products.

==[[Uses]]==

*Silicate (or Quartz) is the main components of glass
*Sand, usually composed of a large parts of silicates, is an essential construction material
*Stone, concrete and bricks are largely composed of silicates. Therefore silica is a prime construction material for a martian settlement

*Silicon is the main material for monocrystalline solar cells, used for [[solar panel]]s and for electronics.

*Silicon is needed for [[silicone synthesis]] to produce [[synthetic materials]]. High-purity silicon (produced by deposition from silanes) is used as a semiconductor in electronics (after being suitably doped). There are alternatives, such as germanium, though their exact performance characteristics vary and silicon is the obvious choice due to its abundance.
*Silicon Carbide, SiC, is used in metallurgy and is an extremely hard ceramic.
*Silicon is used in the production of iron.
{{science question|How pure does silicon need to be? - [[User:PeterBrett|Peter]]}}

==References==
<references />

Space launch system

2020-08-14T08:21:04Z

Gladiator Decimus Meridius: /* Configuration */ Updated current expected SLS launch date.

[[Earth|NASA's]] Space Launch System (SLS) is a super-heavy-lift launch vehicle designed to support human exploration activities beyond Earth orbit. Begun in 2011, the program is a hold-over from NASA's Constellation Program, which was canceled in 2010.

==Configuration==
Leveraging [[NASA]] investments in Space Shuttle and Constellation Program hardware, the SLS launch vehicle comprises an 8.4-meter-diameter core stage, which is the same diameter as the Space Shuttle external tank. The core stage is flanked by two five-segment solid rocket boosters modified from the four-segment SRBs used on Shuttle. Core stage main propulsion will be provided by four RS-25E Space Shuttle main engines repurposed for the SLS application. The upper stage comprises a Delta (IV) Cryogenic Second Stage (DCSS) with a single RL10 engine, called the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS). The ICPS will eventually be replaced by a four-engine upper stage Advanced Cryogenic Evolved Stage (ACES).

The initial capability of the "Block 1A" vehicle (scheduled to launch by mid-2020) is 70,000 kg to low-Earth orbit. later versions of the vehicle are slated to carry up to 105,000 kg (Block 1B) and 130,000 kg (Block 2).

The first launch of SLS will be an unmanned Orion spacecraft, which will perform autonomous maneuvers around the Moon (including a Distant Retrograde Orbit) before returning to Earth for splashdown. As of August 2020 the first launch of the SLS was scheduled for November of 2021.

[[Category:Exploration Transport Systems]]

In-situ resource utilization

2020-08-14T07:53:16Z

Gladiator Decimus Meridius: /* Breathable Atmosphere */ Corrected typo

__NOTOC__
<imagemap>
File:MH ISRU.jpg|thumb|757x757px|In Situ resources Utilisation. Copyright R. Heidmann

rect 60 170 250 260 [[Dust collector]]
rect 400 70 500 140 [[Compression]]
rect 500 70 600 140 [[Carbon monoxide]]
rect 400 170 500 240 [[Compression]]
rect 500 170 600 240 [[Carbon dioxide]]
rect 60 290 110 360 [[Nitrates]]
rect 160 290 250 360 [[Atmospheric processing]]
rect 500 290 600 360 [[Nitrogen]]
rect 500 410 600 470 [[Oxygen]]
rect 600 410 700 470 [[Sabatier process]]
rect 720 410 820 470 [[Methane]]
rect 60 520 130 590 [[water]]
rect 160 520 250 590 [[Electrolysis]]
rect 500 520 600 590 [[Hydrogen]]
rect 60 850 120 950 [[Mining]]
rect 60 1100 120 1200 [[Mining]]
rect 720 630 820 710 [[Fertilizer]]
rect 720 1200 820 1280 [[Glass]]
rect 60 1300 120 1380 [[Iron ore]]

</imagemap>

The use of local resources is called '''in-situ resource utilization''' or ISRU. This concept is critical to the survival of an [[Foundation of an Autonomous Colony|autonomous]] or [[Semi-autonomous colony|semi-autonomous]] [[settlement]]. The [[ISRU timeline]] is very rapid for most settlement plans since the initial Zubrin proposal of MArs Direct.
==Resources==

===Atmosphere===
''Main article: [[Atmospheric processing]]''

Many of the [[:category:elements|elements]] and molecules in the [[atmosphere]] can be utilized. Condensation, followed by distillation, are often used to extract resources. The atmosphere is first cooled to a liquid or solid state. This is distilled at precise temperatures in order to separate the elements and molecules.

====Carbon dioxide (CO2)====
[[Carbon dioxide]] composes 96% of the martian atmosphere

Carbon dioxide is the main source of carbon, used for fuel production (CH4) and an essential element for life.

====Nitrogen (N2)====
[[Nitrogen]] composes 2% of martian atmosphere.

Nitrogen is used by plants and is part of a breathable atmosphere. Its concentration on Earth is 78% of the atmosphere.

====Argon (Ar)====
2% of martian atmosphere

[[Argon]] is an inert gas, useful in some industrial processes as an inert atmosphere and may be used as propellant in Electric Propulsion of spaceships.

====Water (H2O)====
[[Water]] is the main source of hydrogen, used for fuel production (CH4) and for the synthesis of hydrocarbons, the building blocks for life.

===Lithosphere (surface)===
''Main article: [[Mining]]''

Minerals in the crust of Mars must be mined and processed to be useful. The upper layer of Mars surface is called the [[Regolith]]. It is a mixtures of materials of various interest.

====Water====
[[Water]] can be gathered in a variety of ways. It is available in the form of [[water ice]] or as hydrated minerals.

====Silicates====
[[Silicon|Silicates]] (SiO2) are useful for the production of glass and building materials. It is one of the main components of the martian planetary crust.

====Iron ore====
[[Iron ore]] ( Hematite:Fe2O3) or (Magnetite: Fe3O4) is a source of iron and steel, as well as oxygen or CO2, depending on the process used.

====Alumina====
[[Alumina]] (Al2O3) is the source of aluminium. Processing also produces CO2 or water depending on the process used.

====Carbonates====
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is used for concrete production. Carbonates are also a potential source of carbon for carbohydrates. Sodium carbonates are used in glass production.

Carbonates are available on Mars.<ref>Wikipedia Carbonates on Mars[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonates_on_Mars]</ref>

====Sulfates====

====Nitrates====
[[Nitrates]] are sources of nitrogen for plants and industrial processes, ammonia and explosives. Nitrates were discovered on Mars by the [[Curiosity]] rover in 2015.

====Salts====
(Mg,Na)SO4, NaCl, and (Mg,Ca)CO3. Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, lithium, Chlorine. Practically all minerals and elements can be found in the form of salts. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is the most common salt, and is essential for life.

Chlorides are likely to be abundant on MArs.<ref>Wikipedia- Chlorides on Mars[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chloride-bearing_deposits_on_Mars]</ref>

====Thorium====
JPL has identified [[Thorium]] (Th) deposits on Mars, this is the preferred fuel in a number of Molten Salt Reactor designs. <ref name=":12">Map of Martian Thorium at Mid-Latitudes, JPL '' Map of Martian Thorium at Mid-Latitudes '', https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/spaceimages/details.php?id=PIA04257, March 2003.</ref>

===Energy===
Energy is required to carry out ISRU. There are two known sources of energy on Mars, the sun and nuclear fission. Energy may be stored in a variety of ways for when the sources are not available.

====Solar energy====

====Nuclear energy====

====[[Energy storage]]====

====Energy distribution====

====Embodied energy====
'''[[Embodied energy]]''' is the sum of all the energy required to produce any goods or services, considered as if that energy was incorporated or 'embodied' in the product itself.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embodied_energy</ref> Embodied energy is a useful concept for the analysis of the production of martian materials, since all materials on Mars must be produced from either nuclear or solar energy.

Once the cost of energy on Mars is determined, the concept of embodied energy can be used to evaluate the cost of materials, and compared to the cost of transportation from Earth.

==Processes==

===Compression===
Mechanical compression of gases increases their density

===Thermal processes===
Heating and cooling are important processes that can be used to accomplish phase changes in various substances.

Crushing, milling

These are mechanical processes that break minerals down to individual crystals for separation and materials handling. Complex minerals such as basalts, granites or ores can be broken down for separation

===Separation===
Mechanical, centrifugal, Flottation,Distillation, Condensation

===Chemical reactions===

====Synthesis====

=====Hydrocarbon synthesis=====

:''Main article: [[Hydrocarbon synthesis]]''

[[Hydrocarbons]] can be manufactured by combining [[hydrogen]] and [[carbon]] through a variety of reactions

* [[Sabatier/Water Electrolysis Process]]

:*[[Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction]]
:*[[Fischer-Tropsch reaction|Fischer-Tropsch Reaction]]

====Silicone Synthesis====

:''Main article: [[Silicone synthesis ]]''

====Decomposition====

=====Electrolysis=====
Deoxidation (usually, but not exclusively) of a compound into individual elements

====single and double replacements.====

==Utilization==
{{expandsec}}
===Water===
Water is essential for life. It is also a common process reagent, an excellent coolant for industrial processes and a source of hydrogen and oxygen using electrolysis.

On Mars it can also be used as a construction material or as radiation shielding. It can be condensed out of the atmosphere or extracted from the regolith.
===Breathable Atmosphere===
A breathable atmosphere is a basic requirement for life. It is also needed for heat transfer from people, plants and animals. It is obtained from compression of the martian atmosphere, separation of excess CO2 and addition of oxygen to reach the desired proportions, that depend on the chosen atmospheric pressure in the habitats.

===Habitats===
Habitats, including living and production areas, are assembled from manufactured products or possible naturally occurring areas sur as lava tubes, to create living areas for the colonists, plants and animals.

===Food production===

=====Agriculture=====
[[Plants]] are natural factories, capable of utilizing the atmosphere and regolith to grow and reproduce.

===Manufactured Products===

====Propellant====
Propellant is one of the main ISRU products. It is required to make transportation less prohibitively expensive.

====Cements, concretes and compressed regolith====

====Iron and steel====
Iron and [[steel]]

====Aluminium====

====Glass====
[[Glass]] is one of the most common building materials on Earth and should be common on Mars as well, since it has unique properties of low cost and transparency. Silica, the main component of glass, is also the most common material in the martian crust.

====Ceramics====

====Ammonia fertilizer====

====Hydrocarbons and plastics====

==See Also==

==References==
[[Category:In-situ Resource Utilization]]
<references />

In-situ resource utilization

2020-08-14T07:51:45Z

Gladiator Decimus Meridius: /* Ressources */ Corrected spelling

__NOTOC__
<imagemap>
File:MH ISRU.jpg|thumb|757x757px|In Situ resources Utilisation. Copyright R. Heidmann

rect 60 170 250 260 [[Dust collector]]
rect 400 70 500 140 [[Compression]]
rect 500 70 600 140 [[Carbon monoxide]]
rect 400 170 500 240 [[Compression]]
rect 500 170 600 240 [[Carbon dioxide]]
rect 60 290 110 360 [[Nitrates]]
rect 160 290 250 360 [[Atmospheric processing]]
rect 500 290 600 360 [[Nitrogen]]
rect 500 410 600 470 [[Oxygen]]
rect 600 410 700 470 [[Sabatier process]]
rect 720 410 820 470 [[Methane]]
rect 60 520 130 590 [[water]]
rect 160 520 250 590 [[Electrolysis]]
rect 500 520 600 590 [[Hydrogen]]
rect 60 850 120 950 [[Mining]]
rect 60 1100 120 1200 [[Mining]]
rect 720 630 820 710 [[Fertilizer]]
rect 720 1200 820 1280 [[Glass]]
rect 60 1300 120 1380 [[Iron ore]]

</imagemap>

The use of local resources is called '''in-situ resource utilization''' or ISRU. This concept is critical to the survival of an [[Foundation of an Autonomous Colony|autonomous]] or [[Semi-autonomous colony|semi-autonomous]] [[settlement]]. The [[ISRU timeline]] is very rapid for most settlement plans since the initial Zubrin proposal of MArs Direct.
==Resources==

===Atmosphere===
''Main article: [[Atmospheric processing]]''

Many of the [[:category:elements|elements]] and molecules in the [[atmosphere]] can be utilized. Condensation, followed by distillation, are often used to extract resources. The atmosphere is first cooled to a liquid or solid state. This is distilled at precise temperatures in order to separate the elements and molecules.

====Carbon dioxide (CO2)====
[[Carbon dioxide]] composes 96% of the martian atmosphere

Carbon dioxide is the main source of carbon, used for fuel production (CH4) and an essential element for life.

====Nitrogen (N2)====
[[Nitrogen]] composes 2% of martian atmosphere.

Nitrogen is used by plants and is part of a breathable atmosphere. Its concentration on Earth is 78% of the atmosphere.

====Argon (Ar)====
2% of martian atmosphere

[[Argon]] is an inert gas, useful in some industrial processes as an inert atmosphere and may be used as propellant in Electric Propulsion of spaceships.

====Water (H2O)====
[[Water]] is the main source of hydrogen, used for fuel production (CH4) and for the synthesis of hydrocarbons, the building blocks for life.

===Lithosphere (surface)===
''Main article: [[Mining]]''

Minerals in the crust of Mars must be mined and processed to be useful. The upper layer of Mars surface is called the [[Regolith]]. It is a mixtures of materials of various interest.

====Water====
[[Water]] can be gathered in a variety of ways. It is available in the form of [[water ice]] or as hydrated minerals.

====Silicates====
[[Silicon|Silicates]] (SiO2) are useful for the production of glass and building materials. It is one of the main components of the martian planetary crust.

====Iron ore====
[[Iron ore]] ( Hematite:Fe2O3) or (Magnetite: Fe3O4) is a source of iron and steel, as well as oxygen or CO2, depending on the process used.

====Alumina====
[[Alumina]] (Al2O3) is the source of aluminium. Processing also produces CO2 or water depending on the process used.

====Carbonates====
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is used for concrete production. Carbonates are also a potential source of carbon for carbohydrates. Sodium carbonates are used in glass production.

Carbonates are available on Mars.<ref>Wikipedia Carbonates on Mars[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonates_on_Mars]</ref>

====Sulfates====

====Nitrates====
[[Nitrates]] are sources of nitrogen for plants and industrial processes, ammonia and explosives. Nitrates were discovered on Mars by the [[Curiosity]] rover in 2015.

====Salts====
(Mg,Na)SO4, NaCl, and (Mg,Ca)CO3. Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, lithium, Chlorine. Practically all minerals and elements can be found in the form of salts. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is the most common salt, and is essential for life.

Chlorides are likely to be abundant on MArs.<ref>Wikipedia- Chlorides on Mars[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chloride-bearing_deposits_on_Mars]</ref>

====Thorium====
JPL has identified [[Thorium]] (Th) deposits on Mars, this is the preferred fuel in a number of Molten Salt Reactor designs. <ref name=":12">Map of Martian Thorium at Mid-Latitudes, JPL '' Map of Martian Thorium at Mid-Latitudes '', https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/spaceimages/details.php?id=PIA04257, March 2003.</ref>

===Energy===
Energy is required to carry out ISRU. There are two known sources of energy on Mars, the sun and nuclear fission. Energy may be stored in a variety of ways for when the sources are not available.

====Solar energy====

====Nuclear energy====

====[[Energy storage]]====

====Energy distribution====

====Embodied energy====
'''[[Embodied energy]]''' is the sum of all the energy required to produce any goods or services, considered as if that energy was incorporated or 'embodied' in the product itself.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embodied_energy</ref> Embodied energy is a useful concept for the analysis of the production of martian materials, since all materials on Mars must be produced from either nuclear or solar energy.

Once the cost of energy on Mars is determined, the concept of embodied energy can be used to evaluate the cost of materials, and compared to the cost of transportation from Earth.

==Processes==

===Compression===
Mechanical compression of gases increases their density

===Thermal processes===
Heating and cooling are important processes that can be used to accomplish phase changes in various substances.

Crushing, milling

These are mechanical processes that break minerals down to individual crystals for separation and materials handling. Complex minerals such as basalts, granites or ores can be broken down for separation

===Separation===
Mechanical, centrifugal, Flottation,Distillation, Condensation

===Chemical reactions===

====Synthesis====

=====Hydrocarbon synthesis=====

:''Main article: [[Hydrocarbon synthesis]]''

[[Hydrocarbons]] can be manufactured by combining [[hydrogen]] and [[carbon]] through a variety of reactions

* [[Sabatier/Water Electrolysis Process]]

:*[[Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction]]
:*[[Fischer-Tropsch reaction|Fischer-Tropsch Reaction]]

====Silicone Synthesis====

:''Main article: [[Silicone synthesis ]]''

====Decomposition====

=====Electrolysis=====
Deoxidation (usually, but not exclusively) of a compound into individual elements

====single and double replacements.====

==Utilization==
{{expandsec}}
===Water===
Water is essential for life. It is also a common process reagent, an excellent coolant for industrial processes and a source of hydrogen and oxygen using electrolysis.

On Mars it can also be used as a construction material or as radiation shielding. It can be condensed out of the atmosphere or extracted from the regolith.
===Breathable Atmosphere===
A breathable atmosphere is a basic requirement for life. It is also needed for heat transfer from people, plants and animals. Is is obtained from compression of the martian atmosphere, separation of excess CO2 and addition of oxygen to reach the desired proportions, that depend on the chosen atmospheric pressure in the habitats.

===Habitats===
Habitats, including living and production areas, are assembled from manufactured products or possible naturally occurring areas sur as lava tubes, to create living areas for the colonists, plants and animals.

===Food production===

=====Agriculture=====
[[Plants]] are natural factories, capable of utilizing the atmosphere and regolith to grow and reproduce.

===Manufactured Products===

====Propellant====
Propellant is one of the main ISRU products. It is required to make transportation less prohibitively expensive.

====Cements, concretes and compressed regolith====

====Iron and steel====
Iron and [[steel]]

====Aluminium====

====Glass====
[[Glass]] is one of the most common building materials on Earth and should be common on Mars as well, since it has unique properties of low cost and transparency. Silica, the main component of glass, is also the most common material in the martian crust.

====Ceramics====

====Ammonia fertilizer====

====Hydrocarbons and plastics====

==See Also==

==References==
[[Category:In-situ Resource Utilization]]
<references />