In situ Resource Utilization

NASA's In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) program represents an innovative approach to space exploration that aims to utilize resources discovered or generated on extraterrestrial bodies, such as planets, moons, and asteroids, to reduce dependence on Earth-based supplies. This strategy supports sustainable exploration by enabling the extraction and processing of materials in space, potentially converting them into essentials like oxygen, water, fuel and building materials. The main goal of ISRU is to reduce the need to transport large quantities of materials from Earth, which can save significant costs and reduce the logistical complexity of long-term space missions.

One of the key aspects of this program is centered on the use of lunar regolith - an abrasive powdery soil consisting of fine particles, dust and small rocks. Lunar regolith (referred to as lunar soil with size smaller than 1 cm) is the unconsolidated material found on the surface of the Moon and in the Moon's tenuous atmosphere. It differs substantially in properties from terrestrial soil. Lunar dust generally connotes even finer materials (less than 50 μm in diameter) than lunar soil. NASA’s robotic missions like the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter collect data about the distribution of regolith types and their chemical compositions and collecting samples for analysis to understand the properties of lunar regolith better.

Lunar regolith is primarily composed of:

• Basalts – the volcanic rock, containing minerals such as pyroxene, anorthosite and plagioclase.
• Ilmenite - a titanium iron oxide that can be a source of oxygen, iron, and titanium.
• Chromite, quartz, cristobalite, and whitlockite. Glass is abundant in the Lunar regolith and forms as a result of impact melting.

Objectives of the ISRU in regolith consolidation and metals recovery are:

• Consolidating regolith to form building materials for habitats, landing pads, and other structures is essential to establish a sustainable lunar presence.
• ISRU aims to extract valuable materials from lunar regolith, including:
  • Oxygen-for breathing and as a propellant.
  • Metals; such as iron, titanium, and aluminum, which can be used for construction and manufacturing.
• Reducing dependency on Earth by creating a sustainable environment for future lunar bases and human exploration missions to Mars and beyond.

Dr. Martirosyan’s research on consolidating lunar regolith simulant through combustion synthesis focuses on using an innovative technique to process and stabilize regolith material. By applying combustion synthesis, we can potentially create solidified structures from lunar soil simulant that are durable enough for construction on the Moon. This approach could advance sustainable lunar exploration by supporting infrastructure needs such as habitats and landing pads, minimizing reliance on materials transported from Earth. Dr. Martirosyan’s group demonstrated a novel approach to consolidating lunar regolith using highly exothermic reactions as well as thermite reactions of lunar regolith simulant with aluminum or magnesium, resulting in the production of consolidated ceramic materials for potential construction applications on the Moon.

Research on lunar regolith consolidation is critical for ensuring the success of sustained lunar exploration. The ISRU approach could revolutionize space exploration by creating a “living off the land” paradigm, allowing future explorers to utilize resources on-site rather than depending solely on supplies from Earth. By addressing the challenges of utilizing local resources effectively, researchers can help lay the groundwork for permanent lunar settlements and support broader exploration goals, including potential missions to Moon, Mars and beyond.