Tapping the Riches of Space

easynow Sat Jun 16, 2012 3:57 pm

Tapping the Riches of Space

"Is there really wealth among the stars? Can we tap raw materials in space for exploration and profit? That far-off-sounding question is starting to get some serious attention"

Read more: http://www.popularmechanics.com

In-situ resource utilization

In space exploration, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) describes the proposed use of resources found or manufactured on other astronomical objects (the Moon, Mars, Asteroids, etc.) to further the goals of a space mission.

According to NASA, "In-situ resource utilization will enable the affordable establishment of extraterrestrial exploration and operations by minimizing the materials carried from Earth."[1]

ISRU can provide materials for life support, propellants, construction materials, and energy to a science payload or a crew deployed on a planet, moon, or asteroid.

Link - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-situ_resource_utilization