Lunar resource utilization for the support and evolution of a cislunar station

William Gullotta, Antonio Coelho, Christopher Barsoum, Laurent Beauregard, Andrea Di Caro, Ryan Elliott, Valeria Fioravanti, Marco Gasparrini, Calum Hervieu, Sam Hook, Silvy Kerkar, Adam McSweeney, Stefano Umberto Menini, Nitin Ramchand Lalwani, Kaveh Razzaghi, Anna Ross, Livia Savioli, Benjamin Torn, Stefano Torresan, James TurtonXinzhan Yu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

An analysis of the availability and accessibility of lunar resources, and trade-off studies into the architecture required to maximize their utilization was performed. Methods of resource extraction and their required surface building blocks are detailed, comprising autonomous systems and a human-tended lunar outpost. Finally, a systems level design has been developed to incorporate on surface storage and transfer methods to a cislunar station to provide a continuous supply of resources. The successful implementation of the methods presented could pave the way for a station that is fully independent of Earth resupplies, opening opportunities for humans to explore the solar system, beyond our nearest neighbor.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication68th International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2017
Subtitle of host publicationUnlocking Imagination, Fostering Innovation and Strengthening Security
PublisherInternational Astronautical Federation, IAF
Pages2682-2696
Number of pages15
ISBN (Print)9781510855373
StatePublished - 2017
Event68th International Astronautical Congress: Unlocking Imagination, Fostering Innovation and Strengthening Security, IAC 2017 - Adelaide, Australia
Duration: Sep 25 2017Sep 29 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC
Volume4
ISSN (Print)0074-1795

Conference

Conference68th International Astronautical Congress: Unlocking Imagination, Fostering Innovation and Strengthening Security, IAC 2017
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityAdelaide
Period09/25/1709/29/17

Keywords

  • Deep space gateway
  • Human and robotic exploration
  • In situ resource utilization (ISRU)
  • Lunar surface exploration
  • Moon

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