In situ utilization of indigenous resources

Abstract

In situ resource utilization (ISRU) on the Moon or Mars is an approach for converting indigenous resources into various products that are needed for a space mission (Rapp 2007). By utilizing indigenous resources, the amount of materiel that must be brought from Earth may be reduced, thus reducing the Initial Mass in Low Earth Orbit (IMLEO.) IMLEO is typically used as a measure of the mission scope and cost. Mars mission planners deal extensively with IMLEO, and the problems involved in launching that materiel and sending it out of LEO on its way toward Mars. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.