ISRU Technologies And Sustainable Space Exploration
- Paper number
IAC-07-D3.2.04
- Author
Mr. Alberto Torasso, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
- Year
2007
- Abstract
In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) technologies are often referred as a key aspect of future space exploration. Their benefits include lower IMLEO mass and launch costs, risk reduction and higher mission flexibility. Although ISRU technologies have been proposed just after Apollo missions, they have not been tested in space to date. This paper shows the most promising ISRU technologies for both Moon and Mars missions and analyses which are the key parameters in evaluating technology capabilities. Furthermore it provides suggestions on how a mission based on ISRU technology can be really sustainable. A large section is dedicated to the study of ISRU technologies at a system engineering level. In mission planning phase some of the most important decisions have to be taken. The choice of including ISRU technologies and to which extent is a critical one. When the decision of including ISRU technology in a mission is taken, all the architecture and building blocks have to be developed trying to exploit all ISRU benefits. ISRU plants have strong interface with power system, propulsion, environmental control and life support system, thermal control, propulsion, radiation protection, robotic capabilities. All of them are strongly affected by choices concerning ISRU. The choice of ISRU technologies is strongly affected by availability of resources, accessibility, and power requirements to convert feedstock into useful resources. Therefore ISRU technologies are different from planet to planet. On the Moon the main feedstock is the regolith, while on Mars is the carbon-dioxide rich atmosphere. The first step in developing ISRU technologies is a complete prospect of available resources on Moon and Mars including surface and subsurface resources, as Mars subsurface water. The most important ISRU technology is oxygen production, which is used for both propulsion and as life consumable. Oxygen can be also used as a reactant in fuel cells together with hydrogen (whose production is more difficult on both Moon and Mars) to power rovers and in energy storage system. The production of water, often connected with Oxygen, would allow a significant mass saving, even if a similar reduction can be obtained with regenerative life support system; in this case a trade-off is needed. Another important technology which is analysed is the ability of moving soil to built radiation shielding to protect human habitats.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-D3.2.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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