Chemical Engineering beyond Earth: Astrochemical Engineering in the Space Age

Vassilis J. Inglezakis (), Donald Rapp, Panos Razis and Antonis A. Zorpas ()
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Vassilis J. Inglezakis: Department of Chemical & Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
Donald Rapp: Independent Researcher, South Pasadena, CA 91030, USA
Panos Razis: Faculty of Pure and Applied Science, Department of Physics, University of Cyprus, 1st Panepistimiou Avenue, 2109 Aglantzia, P.O. Box 20537, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus
Antonis A. Zorpas: Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Engineering Sustainability, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Open University of Cyprus, Giannou Kranitiodi 89, Nicosia 2236, Cyprus

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-12

Abstract: The Space Race in the second half of the 20th century was primarily concerned with getting there and back. Gradually, technology and international collaboration opened new horizons, but human activity was mostly restricted around Earth’s orbit, while robotic missions were sent to solar system planets and moons. Now, nations and companies claim extraterrestrial resources and plans are in place to send humans and build bases on the Moon and Mars. Exploration and discovery are likely to be followed by exploitation and settlement. History suggests that the next step is the development of space industry. The new industrial revolution will take place in space. Chemical engineers have been educated for more than a century on designing processes adapted to the Earth’s conditions, involving a range of raw materials, atmospheric pressure, ambient temperature, solar radiation, and 1-g. In space, the raw materials differ, and the unique pressure, temperature and solar radiation conditions require new approaches and methods. In the era of space exploration, a new educational concept for chemical engineers is necessary to prepare them for playing key roles in space. To this end, we introduce Astrochemical Engineering as an advanced postgraduate course and we propose a 2-year 120 ECTS MEng curriculum with a brief description of the modules and learning outcomes. The first year includes topics such as low-gravity process engineering, cryogenics, and recycling systems. The second year includes the utilization of planetary resources and materials for space resources. The course culminates in an individual design project and comprises two specializations: Process Engineering and Space Science. The course will equip engineers and scientists with the necessary knowledge for the development of advanced processes and industrial ecologies based on closed self-sustained systems. These can be applied on Earth to help reinvent sustainability and mitigate the numerous challenges humanity faces.

Keywords: chemical engineering; astrochemical engineering; curriculum development; extraterrestrial environment; space engineering; sustainable education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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