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NASA

This brief review explores the potential uses of lunar and asteroid resources, including in-situ exploration, space-based economy development, and direct importation to benefit the world economy. Considerations for reducing tensions on Earth are highlighted, along with the economic case for utilizing space resources. The unique characteristics of lunar and asteroid resources are compared, emphasizing their significance for future space endeavors. The feasibility of a scientific lunar outpost and the concept of a 'Moon Village' are discussed as potential milestones in resource utilization and infrastructure development.

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NASA

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  1. A Brief Review of Lunar and Asteroid Resources Uses of space resources: • Use to facilitate the in situ exploration of planetary bodies (ISRU) • Use to develop a space-based economy (e.g. communications and energy infrastructures/space science/tourism) • Direct importation to Earth to benefit the World economy directly Ian Crawford NASA

  2. “Space exploration and development should be done in such a way so as to reduce, not aggravate, tensions on Earth” William Hartmann (1985)

  3. Economic case for using space resources in space

  4. Lunar Resources* Red: High-Ti lavas (Fe, Mg, Ti, Si, O) Yellow: Low-Ti lavas (Fe, Mg, Si, O) Blue: Anorthositic highlands (Ca, Al, Si, O) Credit: P.D. Spudis *I. A. Crawford, Progress in Physical Geography 39, 137-167 (2015).

  5. Polar ices as a source of water (and H and O) for possible operations on the Moon and in cis-lunar space….

  6. Solar wind implanted volatiles NASA

  7. Is there anything worth importing to Earth? REE (+U, Th) Magnetic anomalies: Fe (+ Ni, PGMs)

  8. Lunar vs Asteroidal Resources • Small, negligible gravities, some NEAs easier to reach than the lunar surface. But, distances vary greatly for a given asteroid, long synodic periods • Metallic NEAs rich in Fe, Ni, PGMs; carbonaceous NEAs rich in volatiles • Generally NEAs not rich in other elements (e.g. lithophile elements like Al and Ti) • Uniformly close • Geological processes have enhanced concentrations of many useful materials (polar volatiles, Al, Ti, REE, U) • Crashed asteroids may be source of Fe and PGMs • Lends itself to the gradual development (‘boot-strapping’) of a surface infrastructure

  9. A scientific lunar outpost (aka a ‘Moon Village’) would provide an initial market for lunar resources and supporting infrastructure for additional prospecting ….

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