Duration: 14 months
Water availability on the Moon and other celestial bodies is necessary to build permanent and self-sustaining bases outside of Earth. Deposits of lunar water in the form of hydrated minerals, glass beads, or water ice have already been found on the Moon. It is likely that these water sources may be contaminated with undesirable components and would need to be distilled or some other form of purification, likely resulting in demineralized/distilled water. However, water without mineral substances is not suitable for long-term human consumption. The proposed idea consists in enriching the water with elements (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+) originating from the lunar/martian regolith on the principle of mineral carbonation. Regolith is mixed with distilled or recycled water and CO2. Carbon dioxide partially dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, which begins to react with the regolith. Bicarbonates and carbonates with above-mentioned cations are formed, which are required in drinking water. This method can be a primary or reserve source for producing drinkable water outside Earth.
