Hypothesized Surface: ISRU for Hypothesized Surfaces – Magnetic Ore Separation for Space Exploration

INSTITUTION

University of Georgia (UGA)

CLASS

Tungsten Class (2023 – 2024)

STUDENT TEAM

ACADEMIC GUIDANCE

Dr. Jorge Rodriguez

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The “Magnetic Ore Separation for Space Exploration” project is designed to test and demonstrate the viability of magnetic ore separation in zero-gravity and near-zero-gravity conditions. Our objective is to create a durable, automated ore sorting system that operates independently on spacecraft, eliminating the need for human intervention or maintenance. Leveraging the power of high-efficiency electromagnets, our system is engineered to consistently segregate ore from rock debris, setting the stage for subsequent refinement and utilization in space.

This work was created in partial fulfillment of the University of Georgia Capstone Course “MCHE 4910”. The work is a result of the Psyche Student Collaborations component of NASA’s Psyche Mission (https://psyche.asu.edu). “Psyche: A Journey to a Metal World” [Contract number NNM16AA09C] is part of the NASA Discovery Program mission to solar system targets. Trade names and trademarks of ASU and NASA are used in this work for identification only. Their usage does not constitute an official endorsement, either expressed or implied, by Arizona State University or National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of ASU or NASA.