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In Situ Resource Utilization in Support of Manned Space Exploration
Completed
TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Description
The research conducted under this fellowship will focus on analyzing methods for utilizing In Situ Resources in support of Manned Space Exploration. Examples of this include how to manage resources on the Moon to support extended human exploration by minimizing the amount of resources needed to be launched from Earth. A special focus will be on a detailed task analysis of what is required to set up, activate and maintain the ISRU facility. We will then determine how most efficiently to divide the various tasks between robots and humans.
Benefits
This project ficuses on analyzing methods for utilizing In Situ Resources in support of Manned Space Exploration.
Details
| Technology area | Exploration Destination Systems > In Situ Resource Use > Resource Processing for Production of Mission Consumables |
| Program | Space Technology Research Grants (STRG) |
| Lead organization | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA |
| Start date | 2013-08-01 |
| End date | 2015-07-31 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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