In-Situ Resource Utilization studies

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) studies focus on developing ways to use resources found directly on celestial bodies like the Moon or Mars to support exploration and settlement. Instead of bringing everything from Earth, ISRU explores methods to extract water, oxygen, fuel, and building materials from local materials. This approach reduces the cost and logistical challenges of off-world missions, enabling sustainable long-term presence. Studies evaluate technology feasibility, resource distribution, and safety to ensure that future missions can efficiently and safely harness local resources for life support, propulsion, and construction needs, paving the way for independent space exploration.