In-situ resource utilization for exploration
- Paper number
IAC-06-A3.P.6.04
- Author
Mr. Arthur Guest, International Space University (ISU), Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Michele Faragalli, International Space University (ISU), Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Matthew Killick, Lunar Explorers Society, Canada
- Year
2006
- Abstract
In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is the concept of “living off the land”. Initially proposed in the mid 20th Century, many experts have suggested that ISRU is an essential enabler for the expansion of humanity beyond the confines of limited resources on Earth. However, even today, ISRU remains a relatively underdeveloped and under–demonstrated in current exploration roadmaps. This paper summarizes the proposals of an interdisciplinary study carried out by 27 students from 17 different countries at the International Space University. The study reviewed the past, present, and possible future ISRU techniques and related robotic technologies in the context of complementing the Moon and Mars exploration scenarios of the major space faring countries. The economic viability and benefits of ISRU are examined, together with the regulatory, ethical, cultural, and international collaboration aspects of space resource utilisation in the future of space exploration and colonization. The renewed opportunities for moon exploration have rekindled interest in ISRU as an enabling technology. It is important to assess both the tangible and intangible benefits of this technology in order to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of adopting it in support of human exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond.
- Abstract document