Commercial Lunar Resource Extraction Supplying a LEO Propellant Depot
- Paper number
IAC-18,D4,5,2,x42265
- Author
Mr. Roger X. Lenard, United States, LPS
- Year
2018
- Abstract
There exists increasing evidence that a market for a propellant depot in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) could become a realistic, financially viable option. Recently, at cis-lunar marketplace held in Centennial, CO, the United Launch Alliance announced that it was willing to pay for propellant in LEO. Prices in LEO were stated to be bid in a range between $3,000/kg and $7,000/kg. Propellant in Lunar Orbit was bid at $1,000/kg. In this case study, the author utilizes the term bid, since that is the user's proposed price; since there will likely be a plethora of users, others may outbid the ULA. The objective of the propellant consumer, as with any market commodity, the consumer will seek the lowest possible price; from the perspective of the supplier, the highest possible price is desirable. Eventually, some compromise price will be negotiated. From the perspective of this case study, with all its assumptions and caveats, the author seeks a price point where the supplier (who is assuming the majority of the risks) can make a compelling financial case in order to attract financing and to understand the cost drivers. The propellant depot can acquire either propellant or feedstock (water or other volatiles) from Earth, however, it is unlikely that these can be delivered to LEO for less than even a multiple of the desired price point. This implies that perhaps extraterrestrial resources might be a feasible feedstock source. This preliminary assessment makes considerable assumptions, but there is a necessity to determine whether or not a case for lunar resources can be made with an understood, yet limited market identification. The author employs an architecture employing orbiting tether systems for the initial sample collection and ultimate resource utilization concept. The author employs the latest data with respect to lunar volatile concentration from the LCROSS mission. This volatile concentration is used to establish the annual throughput in order to meet the LEO propellant depot’s propellant demands. The approach employs a realistic assessment of a lunar orbiting tether-based extraction system’s costs for a commercial development. The throughput sizes power, propulsion and extraction system masses. The concept employs an existing approach for a GEO-based transportation system for the lunar volatiles return concept. The net result is that sales of propellant for ~ $4,500/kg represent an interesting commercial prospect.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-18,D4,5,2,x42265.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.