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Lunar exploration for resource utilizationThe strategy for developing resources on the Moon depends on the stage of space industrialization. A case is made for first developing the resources needed to provide simple materials required in large quantities for space operations. Propellants, shielding, and structural materials fall into this category. As the enterprise grows, it will be feasible to develop additional sources - those more difficult to obtain or required in smaller quantities. Thus, the first materials processing on the Moon will probably take the abundant lunar regolith, extract from it major mineral or glass species, and do relatively simple chemical processing. We need to conduct a lunar remote sensing mission to determine the global distribution of features, geophysical properties, and composition of the Moon, information which will serve as the basis for detailed models of and engineering decisions about a lunar mine.
Document ID
19930007688
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other
Authors
Duke, Michael B.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Space Resources. Volume 3: Materials
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
93N16877
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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