Toward the utilisation of resources in space: knowledge gaps, open questions, and priorities

Cilliers, J.J.; Hadler, K.; Rasera, J.N.

doi:10.1038/s41526-023-00274-3

Cited by 7 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 64 publications

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“…For this reason, we focus this review paper on physical problems which are encountered in cryogenic systems only 8 . Cryogenic fuels (propellants, i.e., hydrogen, methane, and oxidizer, i.e., oxygen) have several advantages: they provide a high specific impulse, are non-toxic, and can be produced in situ (In Situ Resource Utilization - ISRU), i.e., on the surface of the Moon or Mars 9 . The enabling capabilities for cryogenic propellants are the long-term storage in space and on planets, and the transfer between depots and spacecraft.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cryogenic propellant management in space: open challenges and perspectives

Simonini,

Dreyer,

Urbano

et al. 2024

npj Microgravity

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This paper presents open challenges and perspectives of propellant management for crewed deep space exploration. The most promising propellants are liquid hydrogen and liquid methane, together with liquid oxygen as an oxidizer. These fluids remain liquid only at cryogenic conditions, that is, at temperatures lower than 120 K. To extend the duration of space exploration missions, or even to enable them, the storage and refueling from a cryogenic on-orbit depot is necessary. We review reference missions, architectures, and technology demonstrators and explain the main operations that are considered as enablers for cryogenic storage and transfer. We summarize the state of the art for each of them, showing that many gaps in physical knowledge still need to be filled. This paper is based on recommendations originally proposed in a White Paper for ESA’s SciSpacE strategy.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cryogenic propellant management in space: open challenges and perspectives

Simonini,

Dreyer,

Urbano

et al. 2024

npj Microgravity

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“…By utilizing space resources to provide materials required for space exploration, we can unleash the full potential of space exploration and greatly reduce the cost of space exploration. Similar to the extraction and use of terrestrial resources, to begin with, a given resource (e.g., oxygen, water ice) must be identified through prospecting and ground truthing to increase certainty [3]. NASA's report of the discovery of ice on the Moon in 1998 led to a later announcement in 2005 regarding the in situ utilization of lunar resources [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimental Evaluation of Lunar Regolith Settlement Caused by Ice Extraction

Gong,

Barnett,

Lee

et al. 2024

Aerospace

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Water resources are essential to human exploration in deep space or the establishment of long-term lunar habitation. Ice discovered on the Moon may be useful in future missions to the lunar surface, necessitating the consideration of in situ resource utilization if it is present in sufficient amounts. Extraction of ice can cause the regolith to settle, which can lead to unintended structural damage. Therefore, any settlement resulting from ice extraction should be understood from a geotechnical perspective. This work reports on experimental investigation of the potential settlement caused by the extraction of ice from lunar regolith simulant containing different textures of ice. The KLS-1 simulant was prepared with different water contents and ice textures. Significant settlement occurred in simulant–ice mixtures with initial water contents of 5–10%.

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“…With the global shift towards electri cation and renewables-aligned with ambitious commitments like the UN Paris Agreement-the demand for metals and minerals is surging (Bullock et al, 2021). Diverse solutions, including space (Cilliers et al, 2023;Sonter, 1997) and deep-sea mining (Jaeckel et al, 2023;Kaikkonen et al, 2021;Sharma et al, 2015), are under exploration to meet this demand, each with unique environmental and societal considerations under scrutiny.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Statewide analysis of U.S. Metal Waste and Industrial Residues Trade Dynamics from 2002 to 2022

Bourtsalas

2023

Preprint

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Amidst growing global apprehensions surrounding metal and mineral waste management and trade, this study aims to elucidate the patterns and impacts of such waste, focusing predominantly on the United States. Analyzing data from 2002–2022 for exports and 2008–2022 for imports, it explores state-specific trends, trade dynamics, and their environmental and economic implications. Results reveal the trade of approximately 430 million tons of materials, with 84% constituting exports. While ash, slags, and some metals exhibit a negative trade balance, commodities like Ferrous, Copper, and Aluminum waste and scrap display a notably positive trade balance. Distinct state preferences and international partnerships exist, with California and Washington emerging as leaders in exports and imports, respectively. Internationally, Turkey and China are the main recipients of U.S. exports, and Canada and South Africa are principal contributors to U.S. imports. Economic and environmental analyses reveal marginal advantages of electrorefining in metal recovery, emphasizing its environmental efficiency. Initial assessments of systems focusing on mineral recovery show negative differences, but inclusive of savings from resource extraction and waste avoidance, results are favorable. Conclusively, this study advocates for a shift in waste perception, emphasizing the need for innovative technologies, strategic policies, and international collaborations to unlock the untapped potentials in metal and mineral waste management, promoting global sustainability.

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Toward the utilisation of resources in space: knowledge gaps, open questions, and priorities

Cited by 7 publications

References 64 publications

Cryogenic propellant management in space: open challenges and perspectives

Cryogenic propellant management in space: open challenges and perspectives

Experimental Evaluation of Lunar Regolith Settlement Caused by Ice Extraction

Statewide analysis of U.S. Metal Waste and Industrial Residues Trade Dynamics from 2002 to 2022

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