384 XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3
harness resources available on-site. ISRU processing meth-
ods involve a range of technologies and techniques tailored
by NASA to the extraction, refinement, and transformation
of these raw resources into useful materials (See Source:
Center Johnson Space 2019) (Figure 16).
These systems are important in ensuring sustainable
performance and cost-efficiency in the realm of space min-
erals exploration. Here’s a simple overview of how ISRU
processing systems work:
Processing. The extracted material goes over a process-
ing phase aimed at separating, purifying, and converting
it into practical and usable products for example alloy for
building space shelters. The choice of processing methods
varies depending on the mineral requirement. For instance,
regoliths may undergo chemical or metallurgical processes
to extract valuable metals.
Conversion. The processed materials are converted
into products that support human missions. This could
include producing construction materials, and 3D printing
feedstock for manufacturing parts and tools.
Integration. The integration of ISRU process-
ing systems into the broader mission infrastructure.
This integration may involve connecting these ISRUs
with life support systems, power generation, and
habitat construction, to ensure seamless functional-
ity and sustainability within the mission’s framework.
As for NASA’s latest advances in ISRU, developments in
this field continue to evolve. NASA has been keenly work-
ing on various ISRU-related initiatives, including:
• Artemis Program: NASA’s Artemis program aims to
return humans to the moon by 2025 and begin a
sustainable presence there. ISRU technologies are a
strategic component of this move, with a focus on
extracting and using lunar resources, particularly
water ice.
• VIPER Mission: NASA’s Volatiles Investigating Polar
Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission, planned for
Source: (Center Johnson Space 2019)
Figure 16. ISRU technologies design by Johnson Space Centre
harness resources available on-site. ISRU processing meth-
ods involve a range of technologies and techniques tailored
by NASA to the extraction, refinement, and transformation
of these raw resources into useful materials (See Source:
Center Johnson Space 2019) (Figure 16).
These systems are important in ensuring sustainable
performance and cost-efficiency in the realm of space min-
erals exploration. Here’s a simple overview of how ISRU
processing systems work:
Processing. The extracted material goes over a process-
ing phase aimed at separating, purifying, and converting
it into practical and usable products for example alloy for
building space shelters. The choice of processing methods
varies depending on the mineral requirement. For instance,
regoliths may undergo chemical or metallurgical processes
to extract valuable metals.
Conversion. The processed materials are converted
into products that support human missions. This could
include producing construction materials, and 3D printing
feedstock for manufacturing parts and tools.
Integration. The integration of ISRU process-
ing systems into the broader mission infrastructure.
This integration may involve connecting these ISRUs
with life support systems, power generation, and
habitat construction, to ensure seamless functional-
ity and sustainability within the mission’s framework.
As for NASA’s latest advances in ISRU, developments in
this field continue to evolve. NASA has been keenly work-
ing on various ISRU-related initiatives, including:
• Artemis Program: NASA’s Artemis program aims to
return humans to the moon by 2025 and begin a
sustainable presence there. ISRU technologies are a
strategic component of this move, with a focus on
extracting and using lunar resources, particularly
water ice.
• VIPER Mission: NASA’s Volatiles Investigating Polar
Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission, planned for
Source: (Center Johnson Space 2019)
Figure 16. ISRU technologies design by Johnson Space Centre