Difference between revisions of "In-situ resource utilization"
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The use of local resources is called '''in-situ resource utilization''' or ISRU. This concept is critical to the survival of an [[Foundation of an Autonomous Colony|autonomous]] or [[Semi-autonomous colony|semi-autonomous]] [[settlement]]. | The use of local resources is called '''in-situ resource utilization''' or ISRU. This concept is critical to the survival of an [[Foundation of an Autonomous Colony|autonomous]] or [[Semi-autonomous colony|semi-autonomous]] [[settlement]]. | ||
| + | [[File:Colony ISRU.png|thumb|600x600px]] | ||
==Gathering== | ==Gathering== | ||
{{expandsec}} | {{expandsec}} | ||
===Atmospheric Processing=== | ===Atmospheric Processing=== | ||
| − | : ''Main article: [[Atmospheric processing]]'' | + | |
| + | :''Main article: [[Atmospheric processing]]'' | ||
| + | |||
Many of the [[:category:elements|elements]] and molecules in the [[atmosphere]] can be utilized. Condensation, followed by distillation, are often used to extract resources. The atmosphere is first cooled to a liquid or solid state. This is distilled at precise temperatures in order to separate the elements and molecules. | Many of the [[:category:elements|elements]] and molecules in the [[atmosphere]] can be utilized. Condensation, followed by distillation, are often used to extract resources. The atmosphere is first cooled to a liquid or solid state. This is distilled at precise temperatures in order to separate the elements and molecules. | ||
===Mining=== | ===Mining=== | ||
| − | : ''Main article: [[Mining]] | + | |
| + | :''Main article: [[Mining]]'' | ||
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Minerals in the crust of Mars must be mined and processed to be useful. | Minerals in the crust of Mars must be mined and processed to be useful. | ||
==Utilization== | ==Utilization== | ||
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All needed components of a breathable atmosphere are available in the ambient atmosphere, albeit in the wrong proportions and low [[pressure]]. | All needed components of a breathable atmosphere are available in the ambient atmosphere, albeit in the wrong proportions and low [[pressure]]. | ||
===Hydrocarbon Synthesis=== | ===Hydrocarbon Synthesis=== | ||
| − | : ''Main article: [[Hydrocarbon synthesis]]'' | + | |
| + | :''Main article: [[Hydrocarbon synthesis]]'' | ||
| + | |||
[[Hydrocarbons]] can be manufactured by combining [[hydrogen]] and [[carbon]] through a variety of reactions. | [[Hydrocarbons]] can be manufactured by combining [[hydrogen]] and [[carbon]] through a variety of reactions. | ||
===Silicone Synthesis=== | ===Silicone Synthesis=== | ||
| − | : ''Main article: [[Silicone synthesis ]]'' | + | |
| + | :''Main article: [[Silicone synthesis ]]'' | ||
| + | |||
===Agriculture=== | ===Agriculture=== | ||
[[Plants]] are natural factories, capable of utilizing the atmosphere and regolith to grow and reproduce. | [[Plants]] are natural factories, capable of utilizing the atmosphere and regolith to grow and reproduce. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
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*[[Sabatier/Water Electrolysis Process]] | *[[Sabatier/Water Electrolysis Process]] | ||
*[[Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction]] | *[[Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction]] | ||
Revision as of 12:10, 6 April 2019
The use of local resources is called in-situ resource utilization or ISRU. This concept is critical to the survival of an autonomous or semi-autonomous settlement.
Contents
Gathering
| This section of the article is incomplete or needs more detail. You can help Marspedia by expanding or correcting it. |
Atmospheric Processing
- Main article: Atmospheric processing
Many of the elements and molecules in the atmosphere can be utilized. Condensation, followed by distillation, are often used to extract resources. The atmosphere is first cooled to a liquid or solid state. This is distilled at precise temperatures in order to separate the elements and molecules.
Mining
- Main article: Mining
Minerals in the crust of Mars must be mined and processed to be useful.
Utilization
| This section of the article is incomplete or needs more detail. You can help Marspedia by expanding or correcting it. |
Water
Water can be gathered in a variety of ways. It is available on the surface in the form of water ice. It may also be produced through the oxidation of hydrogen.
Breathable Atmosphere
All needed components of a breathable atmosphere are available in the ambient atmosphere, albeit in the wrong proportions and low pressure.
Hydrocarbon Synthesis
- Main article: Hydrocarbon synthesis
Hydrocarbons can be manufactured by combining hydrogen and carbon through a variety of reactions.
Silicone Synthesis
- Main article: Silicone synthesis
Agriculture
Plants are natural factories, capable of utilizing the atmosphere and regolith to grow and reproduce.
