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Advancements in Microgravity Ore Processing:
Customized Ball Milling Techniques for Extraterrestrial In-Situ
Resource Utilization
Vigneshwaran Krishnamoorthi, Dimitra Atri
Center for Astrophysics and Space Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Ponisseril Somasundaran, DR Nagaraj, Raymond S Farinato
Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY
ABSTRACT: The burgeoning pursuit of establishing a sustainable human presence beyond Earth’s confines
necessitates the development of new techniques for resource extraction in microgravity environments. This
paper explores the adaptation of ball milling techniques for processing ore minerals from extraterrestrial
sources, a critical component in the realization of In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) strategies. Drawing upon
terrestrial mining methodologies, we scrutinize the performance of tumbling mills, stirred mills, high-pressure
grinding mills, and centrifugal mills under simulated microgravity conditions. Of particular interest is the
development of a magnetic ball milling approach, integrating internal and external magnetic fields to control
grinding dynamics. Our investigation encompasses the influence of magnetic field strength, ball composition,
and vacuum conditions on milling efficiency and critical speed, crucial parameters in extraterrestrial ore
processing. Furthermore, we elucidate potential strategies for containing dispersed particles in microgravity
environments. This interdisciplinary endeavor not only catalyzes advancements in space resource utilization but
also holds transformative implications for sustainable mining practices on Earth.
INTRODUCTION
The concerted efforts of space agencies like NASA’s
Artemis program (Creech et al., 2022) and the China
National Space Administration (CNSA), collaborating
with Roscosmos under the International Lunar Research
Station (ILRS) program (CNSA, 2021), underscore an
aggressive push towards establishing a sustainable human
presence on the Moon. A pivotal focus lies in advancing
In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) capabilities to catalyze
space-based economic activities. Helium-3, abundant on
the lunar surface but scarce on Earth, holds promise as a
fuel for nuclear fusion. Similarly, the exploration extends to
Platinum Group Minerals (PGMs), primarily speculated to
be present on metal-rich and carbonaceous asteroids, owing
to their significant industrial applications.
The availability of resources within asteroids presents
a tantalizing prospect for future space exploration and
resource utilization endeavors. They comprise a diverse
array of mineralogical compositions, hold vast reservoirs of
valuable materials, including metals, volatiles, and organic
compounds. Metal-rich asteroids are particularly ideal
for their abundant concentrations of precious metals like
Advancements in Microgravity Ore Processing:
Customized Ball Milling Techniques for Extraterrestrial In-Situ
Resource Utilization
Vigneshwaran Krishnamoorthi, Dimitra Atri
Center for Astrophysics and Space Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Ponisseril Somasundaran, DR Nagaraj, Raymond S Farinato
Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY
ABSTRACT: The burgeoning pursuit of establishing a sustainable human presence beyond Earth’s confines
necessitates the development of new techniques for resource extraction in microgravity environments. This
paper explores the adaptation of ball milling techniques for processing ore minerals from extraterrestrial
sources, a critical component in the realization of In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) strategies. Drawing upon
terrestrial mining methodologies, we scrutinize the performance of tumbling mills, stirred mills, high-pressure
grinding mills, and centrifugal mills under simulated microgravity conditions. Of particular interest is the
development of a magnetic ball milling approach, integrating internal and external magnetic fields to control
grinding dynamics. Our investigation encompasses the influence of magnetic field strength, ball composition,
and vacuum conditions on milling efficiency and critical speed, crucial parameters in extraterrestrial ore
processing. Furthermore, we elucidate potential strategies for containing dispersed particles in microgravity
environments. This interdisciplinary endeavor not only catalyzes advancements in space resource utilization but
also holds transformative implications for sustainable mining practices on Earth.
INTRODUCTION
The concerted efforts of space agencies like NASA’s
Artemis program (Creech et al., 2022) and the China
National Space Administration (CNSA), collaborating
with Roscosmos under the International Lunar Research
Station (ILRS) program (CNSA, 2021), underscore an
aggressive push towards establishing a sustainable human
presence on the Moon. A pivotal focus lies in advancing
In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) capabilities to catalyze
space-based economic activities. Helium-3, abundant on
the lunar surface but scarce on Earth, holds promise as a
fuel for nuclear fusion. Similarly, the exploration extends to
Platinum Group Minerals (PGMs), primarily speculated to
be present on metal-rich and carbonaceous asteroids, owing
to their significant industrial applications.
The availability of resources within asteroids presents
a tantalizing prospect for future space exploration and
resource utilization endeavors. They comprise a diverse
array of mineralogical compositions, hold vast reservoirs of
valuable materials, including metals, volatiles, and organic
compounds. Metal-rich asteroids are particularly ideal
for their abundant concentrations of precious metals like