In-Situ Resource Utilizaiton (ISRU) on the Moon: a real-options analysis
- Paper number
IAC-06-A3.P.6.03
- Author
Ms. Bijal Thakore, International Space University (ISU), France
- Year
2006
- Abstract
In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is the concept of “living off the land”. Initially proposed in the mid 20the Century, many experts have suggested that ISRU is an important enabler for the expansion of humanity beyond the confines of limited resources on Earth. However, even today, ISRU still remains a relatively underdeveloped and under –demonstrated in current exploration roadmaps. This paper summarizes the proposals of an interdisciplinary study carried out 27 students from 17 different countries at the International Space University. This study shall result in an analysis of that would evaluate the trade-offs to make ISRU worthwhile. It also carries out a sensitivity analysis for economic viability and benefits in the light of issues regarding ethical, cultural and regulatory acceptance. This analysis model would be of aid to space agencies and private companies alike in order to understand the factors that influence the Return of Investment based on different scenarios. The re-vitalized opportunities for moon exploration have rekindled the interest in ISRU concepts as a critical –path activity in order to truly represent activities in outer space for exploration that would help establish permanent human presence on the surface of the Moon as a stepping-stone to that on Mars.
- Abstract document