Regolith Mining in Shackleton Crater on the Moon: Propellant, Building Materials and Vital Resources Production for a Long Duration Manned Mission

Abstract

The return of humans on the Moon is strongly seen as a fundamental step in the journey to Mars. Lunar exploration has the potential to unlock a new domain of advancements and opportunities that would benefit life on Earth and on other worlds. In this framework, In Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) is among the most important objectives to be addressed to enable permanent presence on other celestial bodies.