Laboratory Validation of the Water Purification Subsystem for Lunar In-Situ Resource Utilization in the LUWEX Project

The LUWEX project (Validation of Lunar Water Extraction and Purification Technologies for In-Situ Propellant and Consumables Production) aims to enable sustainable lunar exploration by developing and validating systems for water extraction and purification directly from lunar regolith. This study presents findings from the laboratory campaign dedicated to the testing of the Water Purification subsystem, conducted under laboratory conditions to evaluate system efficacy and reliability. Within the LUWEX framework, the Water Purification subsystem is critical for converting extracted raw water into potable water for crewed missions as well as for deionized water for electrolysis. The purification unit was tested for performance parameters including filtration efficiency, contaminant removal, and adaptability to variable raw water input contamination rates, simulating the dynamic extraction conditions expected on the lunar surface. Preliminary results indicate that the purification subsystem meets key benchmarks in removing impurities, achieving product water standards, and effectively integrating with the broader LUWEX system architecture. Key findings demonstrate not only the subsystem's capability to support water quality requirements for human consumption but also its potential scalability for long-term lunar operations. The outcomes of this test campaign highlight advancements in In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) and the readiness of water purification technologies for future lunar bases.