Planetary Simulant Database
Free Resource for Regolith Simulant Information
Mineralogy
| Component | Wt.% |
|---|---|
| Basalt | 47 |
| Washed basalt | 37 |
| Volcanic glass | 7 |
| Washed volcanic glass | 9 |
Bulk Chemistry
Scott et al. (2017) list the bulk chemistry for the individual components, but not the final mixed simulant
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Specific gravity | 2.7 |
| Internal friction angle | 35° |
UC Mars1
Simulant Name: UC Mars1
Availability: May Be Available
Fidelity: Basic
Developed By: University of Canterbury
Available From: Allan Scott ([email protected])
Publications: Scott, A. N. et al. (2017), Development of a Martian regolith simulant for in-situ resource utilization testing. Acta Astronautica 131, 45-49.
UC Mars1 was developed recently at the University of Canterbury to test ISRU technology, and was based on the bulk chemistry of the Gusev Crater regolith near the Columbia Hills. Various rocks were sampled in the Banks Peninsula in the South Island of New Zealand, and the final mixture for the simulant consisted of 46% basalt, 37% washed basalt, 7% volcanic glass, and 9% washed volcanic glass. Washing was done to remove excess dust.
Scott et al. (2017) describe the production and basic properties of the simulant, and claim that the current production methods would allow for 30 kg/hr to be manufactured. Larger scale production and use as a construction material are planned for the future.
Images
SEM images of the UC Mars1 simulant, from Scott et al. (2017):
