Arrested reactive milling for in-situ production of energetic nanocomposites for propulsion and energy-intensive technologies in exploration missions

This paper proposes use of a novel technique of synthesizing reactive nanocomposite materials as potential means of enabling energy-intensive technologies in the interplanetary exploration missions. The applications include in-situ propellants, welding and joining, and manufacturing of structural components. The proposed technology of Arrested Reactive Milling would utilize extra-terrestrial minerals and soils as starting materials. In addition, it is proposed to use recycled aluminum from packaging and decommissioned parts of space vehicles. The proposed technique relies on ball-milling of starting materials and is scaleable, inexpensive, and can be operated using solar energy. Preliminary research using commercial starting materials showed feasibility of this technique for synthesis of highly reactive materials useful in propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics.