Lunar In-Situ Resource Utilization

PSI is conducting research in ISRU on lunar surface. The motivation for using native lunar materials for production of propellant, construction blocks, or other products is based on potential reduction of the cost for exploring and living on the Moon. In case of materials for construction and habitation, the cost of constructing the lunar base will be reduced significantly if these products are produced on the Moon. Producing liquid oxygen (LOX) on the Moon is attractive because LOX is used in propulsion systems and for life support. For lunar material processing, solar thermal energy can be utilized effectively for many thermochemical processing. 

PSI’s ISRU related activities are currently focused on solar thermal power system development for oxygen production. In the near future PSI intends to use solar thermal power for manufacturing and construction applications.