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Title: WATER PRODUCTION FROM HYDRATED SULFATES ON MARS. A GEOLOGICAL AND TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT
WATER PRODUCTION FROM HYDRATED SULFATES ON MARS. A GEOLOGICAL AND TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

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Gustavo Jamanca-Lino; Clairet Guerra Guevara
10.5593/sgem2023/6.1/s28.56
10.5593/sgem2023/6.1
1314-2704
978-619-7603-61-3
English
23
6.1
•    Prof. DSc. Oleksandr Trofymchuk, UKRAINE 
•    Prof. Dr. hab. oec. Baiba Rivza, LATVIA
Space Technologies and Planetary Science
The extraction and utilization of planetary materials in situ are of utmost importance to establish a sustainable human presence on Mars. Among these resources, water stands out as the most valuable due to its potential for producing rocket propellants and supporting life systems for astronauts. This research delves into the water resources in Meridiani Planum, an equatorial region where the presence of hydrated sulfates has been confirmed. Leveraging data from the Opportunity Rover and its advanced instruments— the Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) and the Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mini-TES)—chemical and mineralogical information were processed and classified using statistical methods. The authors go beyond data analysis, presenting a comprehensive high-level concept for acquiring the ore, mineral processing, and water extraction through dehydration techniques. Excavation and physical preparation are examined, incorporating crushing and beneficiation stages. Furthermore, the work includes calculating the temperature, enthalpy, Gibbs energy and kinetic for sulfates dehydration. The outcomes are highlighted through a conceptual architecture, offering estimations regarding mineral throughput for a pilot plant capable of supplying sufficient water to sustain six astronauts throughout an entire Martian year. This study sets a foundation for future endeavours in realizing the ambitious goal of establishing a selfsustaining human presence on Mars.
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The findings presented in this research are a result of a broader undertaking conducted within the Space Resources project course. The authors would like to express their gratitude to the professors and colleagues from the Colorado School of Mines Space Resources department for their guidance during the discussions that shaped the conceptualization of this work and provided a vision for future endeavors. Finally, thanks to the Department of Research, Innovation, and Social Responsibility at the Universidad Privada del Norte, Peru; for the support received for the participation in SGEM 2023.
conference
https://doi.org/10.5593/sgem2023/6.1/s28.56
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Proceedings of 23rd International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2023
23rd International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2023, 03 - 09 July, 2023
Proceedings Paper
STEF92 Technology
International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM
SWS Scholarly Society; Acad Sci Czech Republ; Latvian Acad Sci; Polish Acad Sci; Serbian Acad Sci and Arts; Natl Acad Sci Ukraine; Natl Acad Sci Armenia; Sci Council Japan; European Acad Sci, Arts and Letters; Acad Fine Arts Zagreb Croatia; Croatian Acad Sci and Arts; Acad Sci Moldova; Montenegrin Acad Sci and Arts; Georgian Acad Sci; Acad Fine Arts and Design Bratislava; Turkish Acad Sci.
447-456
03 - 09 July, 2023
website
9268
ISRU, gypsum, Meridiani Planum, water on Mars