
Regolith utilization
Regolith utilization involves extracting valuable resources from the loose surface material, called regolith, found on celestial bodies like the Moon or Mars. This material contains things like oxygen, water, and minerals that can be used for life support, fuel, or building materials. Using local resources reduces the need to bring supplies from Earth, making space missions more sustainable and cost-effective. Processes such as mining, processing, and converting regolith can support long-term exploration and potential colonization by providing essentials like water for drinking and air, or elements needed for construction.