Luwex
Validation of Lunar Water Extraction and Purification Technologies for In-Situ Propellant and Consumables Production.
Mission details
- Mission time: 2022-2024
- Partner: DLR
- Type:
About Luwex Mission
European ISRU concept for extracting and purifying lunar water, with Scanway delivering a LIBS-based spectrometer to monitor and verify the chemical quality of extracted water.
LUWEX is a Horizon Europe–funded ISRU concept aimed at developing, integrating, and validating lunar water extraction, purification, and quality‑monitoring technologies. It replicates lunar regolith mixed with ice in a thermal‑vacuum chamber to mimic Moon‑like conditions and advance the process readiness toward TRL 4–5.
Funded under Horizon Europe, coordinated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and implemented by a European consortium including Thales Alenia Space, LIQUIFER Systems Group, TU Braunschweig, Scanway, and Wrocław University of Science and Technology.
Scanway contribution
Scanway provides a component of the water quality control system, based on the LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) technique. This system enables the measurement of the surface chemical composition of extracted water, ensuring it meets predefined quality standards and is suitable for use in future ISRU-based life support and propulsion systems.
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