Ilmenite-rich mare basalts power oxygen extraction and metals—flowing through the Tranquillitatis logistics hub.
Mare Tranquillitatis hosts Fe/Ti-bearing basalts with meaningful ilmenite (TiO₂) content, enabling reduction-driven oxygen production and co-recovery of metals for construction and power systems.
The Marius Hills complex is a prime TiO₂ prospect with nearby lava-tube skylights. Mining and processing align naturally with habitat expansion and dust-safe logistics corridors.
ISRU pathways—such as ilmenite reduction and molten-regolith electrolysis—convert TiO₂-rich feedstock into O₂, Ti/Fe alloys, and process heat. Oxygen is liquefied to LOX, then routed to Hub-side storage tanks and standardized cargo skids for propellant and life-support logistics.