NASA's In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)

NASA's In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) refers to the technology and methods used to harness local resources on other planets or moons for human use. Instead of bringing everything needed for missions from Earth, ISRU aims to convert local materials into essentials like water, oxygen, and fuel. For instance, on Mars, ISRU could involve extracting water from ice or converting carbon dioxide in the atmosphere into breathable air. This approach enhances sustainability, reduces costs, and supports long-term human exploration in space, making it a key focus for future missions.