Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ space firm, has figured out a way to make solar panels on the Moon using only resources found there. Blue Alchemist is the name of the technology that can make this happen, and it might also have immediate benefits for Earth. Blue Origin began developing its technology by synthesizing a terrestrial substance that was somewhat comparable to the plentiful rock and dust present on the Moon’s surface (lunar regolith). Then, oxygen was produced as a byproduct of the molten regolith electrolysis in a reactor that may be utilized for propulsion and life support.
Blue Origin’s New Lunar Plans
The reactor can reach temperatures of over 1,600 degrees Celsius, and the silicon it produces is subsequently refined to greater than 99.999% using just sunlight. Cover glass made from leftovers of electrolysis of molten regolith is utilized to shield the solar cells for at least a decade, and the aluminum is converted into wire.
Two things make Blue Alchemist stand out: This technology not only makes it possible to generate electricity on the Moon, but it also eliminates the need for water, the use of harmful chemicals, and the release of carbon dioxide during the production process. Therefore, it might be utilized on Earth as a green replacement for conventional solar panel production methods.
According to Blue Origin, NASA’s plans for a permanent lunar settlement are compatible with the solar panel manufacturing process the company has developed. In-situ resource usage has gained a lot of attention recently (ISRU). The cost increases with every ounce of material that must be transported from Earth to the spacecraft. Making what you need from local supplies may be a huge money- and time-saver. If and when Blue Alchemist is integrated into NASA’s Moon-to-Mars initiatives is still up in the air.
