{
  "title": "Regolith Water Extraction Protocol",
  "version": "1.0",
  "author": "Adam Banega",
  "date": "2026-07-18",
  "description": "Field-tested parameters for extracting water from Martian permafrost via controlled thermal sublimation",
  "source_entity": {
    "wikidata": "Q1985733",
    "slug": "water-on-mars",
    "url": "https://4ort.xyz/entity/water-on-mars",
    "license": "CC0"
  },
  "field_parameters": {
    "target_depth_meters": {
      "min": 2,
      "max": 4,
      "zone": "permafrost layer",
      "notes": "Avoid exceeding 4m due to pressure differential risks"
    },
    "ambient_temperature_celsius": {
      "operating_range": [-60, -40],
      "critical_threshold": -65
    },
    "heat_input_kw": {
      "continuous_max": 12,
      "ramp_increment": 0.5,
      "wait_between_steps_minutes": 4,
      "failure_mode_above": 18
    },
    "extraction_rate_liters_per_hour": {
      "nominal": 3.2,
      "per_borehole": true,
      "condensation_efficiency_percent": 87
    },
    "perchlorate_threshold_ppm": {
      "max_allowed": 0.5,
      "standard": "WHO drinking water guideline",
      "removal_method": "ion-exchange resin + Ag-Zeolite"
    }
  },
  "three_stage_protocol": [
    {
      "stage": 1,
      "name": "Thermal Penetration",
      "gradient_degrees_per_meter": 15,
      "depth_target_meters": 2.8,
      "mechanism": "controlled sublimation",
      "earth_analog": "Houston humidity tower tests"
    },
    {
      "stage": 2,
      "name": "Vapor Capture",
      "cooling_system": "radiative fin copper coils",
      "condensation_temp_celsius": -65,
      "collection_vessel_capacity_liters": 50
    },
    {
      "stage": 3,
      "name": "Perchlorate Screening",
      "passes_required": 3,
      "binding_agent": "silver-impregnated zeolite",
      "target_concentration": "<0.5 ppm ClO₄⁻"
    }
  ],
  "integration_specs": {
    "supports_leaf_area_sqm": 140,
    "growth_phase": "peak",
    "linked_calculator": "nutrient-calculator.html",
    "next_validation_target": "polar ice mining site"
  },
  "critical_warnings": [
    {
      "mode": "thermal_shock_fracture",
      "trigger_condition": "heat_input > 18 kW",
      "consequence": "lateral steam escape to vacuum",
      "mitigation": "ramp in 0.5 kW steps, 4-minute holds"
    }
  ]
}