Lunar In-situ Resource Utilization activities by Airbus
- Paper number
IAC-18,A3,2B,8,x46022
- Author
Dr. Marc Häming, Germany, Airbus Defence and Space
- Coauthor
Mr. Emanuele Monchieri, United Kingdom, Airbus Defence and Space
- Coauthor
Dr. Achim Seidel, Germany, Airbus Defence and Space
- Coauthor
Mr. Marc Peter Hess, Germany, Airbus Defence and Space
- Coauthor
Mr. Manfred Jaumann, Germany, Airbus Defence and Space
- Coauthor
Dr. Christian Stenzel, Germany, Airbus Defence and Space
- Year
2018
- Abstract
Exploration of the Moon is the next major step in human space exploration. For long-term sustainable exploration, a new space infrastructure needs to be established to facilitate frequent robotic and manned exploration missions. For example, Earth-Moon transportation and lunar surface transportation will be frequently required together with a new communication and navigation infrastructure, and new payloads. Airbus Defence and Space is Europe’s number one space enterprise and the world’s second largest space business with a broad portfolio of high-tech solutions for telecommunication, earth observation, satellite navigation, human spaceflight, and space exploration. Based on its unique technology portfolio, Airbus can provide cutting edge solutions from space systems to entire exploration missions. In-situ resource utilization (ISRU), namely the production of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and fuel at the Moon, is a key factor for long-term sustainable exploration missions. Therefore, new technologies are required to produce these consumables from lunar regolith or from water ice within the craters at the Lunar poles. The European Payload Center (EPC) at Airbus Defence and Space is the leading supplier of science payloads, life support systems, operation support, and sustaining engineering services for the International Space Station (ISS). Moon exploration and ISRU are important future business fields. This presentation will highlight selected activities at the EPC with respect to moon exploration and lunar ISRU to supply consumables for future missions. For example, results of first experimental feasibility studies of CO2 production as nutrient for a lunar greenhouse from a mixture of regolith and recycled carbon fibers will be reported.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-18,A3,2B,8,x46022.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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