The competition, Space Resources Challenge, welcomes all participants – from engineering students to space technology start-ups – with Exotopic serving as a Team Partner to provide guidance and support.
The challenge aims to develop in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) technology, using resources available on the Moon to reduce dependence on costly supplies from Earth and enable a more sustainable presence in space. The Moon’s soil, or regolith, can be processed to extract breathable oxygen and metals, such as silicon, iron and aluminium for construction, while water ice from shadowed craters can provide drinking water, additional oxygen and hydrogen for rocket fuel. These advancements are important for future exploration and could also lead to more sustainable practices in mining and manufacturing industries on Earth.
Credits. ESA. LUNA facility next to ESA's Astronaut Centre (EAC) near Cologne, Germany