Scientist invents device that could help humans survive on the Moon

By Tom Bevan

A British scientist has won a top award for new tech that will help humans live on the Moon and Mars - using kit he bought from B&Q.

Inventor Lolan Naicker's device will provide drinkable water to astronauts - enabling them to extract moisture from the lunar or planetary surface.

He has now won UK Space Agency's Aqualunar Challenge - to reward tech that can purify water frozen in the Moon’s soil to make human habitation possible.

His 'SonoChem System' technology uses microwaves to defrost and ultrasound to break down contaminants in melted lunar ice.

The prototype of a “lunar regolith processing” system has been built using a BBQ wood pellet feeder, a domestic microwave oven, and an auger – a tool used to dig a hole for a fencing post – with building sand used as a lunar regolith simulant.

The prototype was built to demonstrate the concept of continuous microwave heating of lunar regolith – merging two separate ideas investigated by NASA and the Open University.

Lunar regolith is fed into a hopper at the start of the process by a robotic system (in this case Lolan) and moved continuously via the pellet feeder through a microwave.

It is subjected to efficient volumetric heating that drives off frozen water and contaminants leaving behind dry 'regolith'.

Dry regolith is continuously removed from the system and volatiles are directed to a secondary process for separation.

The SonoChem System by Gloucestershire-based Naicker Scientific, led by Lolan, has won the UK Space Agency funded Aqualunar Challenge.

The Aqualunar Challenge is a $1.2 million international prize funded by the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund and delivered by Challenge Works – part of Nesta.

It aims to drive the development of innovative technologies that make human habitation on the Moon viable by purifying water buried beneath the lunar surface.

The SonoChem System was awarded the $194,491 first prize.

Meganne Christian, Reserve Astronaut and Commercial Exploration at the UK Space Agency and chair of the Aqualunar Challenge judging panel, said: “NASA has set the goal of establishing a permanent crewed base on the Moon by the end of the decade.

''The Artemis programme, as it is known, is supported by the UK Space Agency through its membership of the European Space Agency.

''Astronauts will need a reliable supply of water for drinking and growing food, as well as oxygen for air and hydrogen for fuel. 5.6% of the soil (known as ‘regolith’) around the Moon’s south pole is estimated to be water frozen as ice. If it can be successfully extracted, separated from the soil and purified, it makes a crewed base viable.”

The SonoChem System employs Naicker Scientific’s groundbreaking core technology to purify water derived from lunar ice.

Harnessing powerful sound waves, it spontaneously forms millions of tiny bubbles in contaminated water.

The extreme temperature and pressure created within each micro bubble generates free radicals (unstable atoms which are highly chemically reactive) which effectively removes contaminants.

Lola explained: “Imagine digging up the soil in your back garden in the middle of winter and trying to extract frozen water to drink.

''Now imagine doing it in an environment that is -200°C, a nearly perfect vacuum, under low gravity, and with very little electrical power.

''That’s what we will have to overcome on the Moon. If we can make the SonoChem System work there, we can make it work anywhere, whether that’s on Mars’ glaciers, or here on Earth in regions where accessing clean water is still a challenge.”

UK Science Minister, Lord Vallance said: “The Aqualunar Challenge was set up to overcome one of the most significant obstacles to humans surviving on the Moon or other planets – the availability of clean drinking water.

“By teaming up with our Canadian partners and harnessing the wealth of talent and creativity found across the UK, the challenge has uncovered a range of new ideas, including Naicker Scientific’s SonoChem system.

“Many of these ideas could not only fuel future space exploration, but also help improve lives and solve water shortages here on Earth - mitigating the impacts of climate change as we work towards a net zero future, a key ambition in our Plan for Change.”