In-situ resource utilization
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
Ressources
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Atmosphere
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.
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
98% of martian atmosphere
Carbon dioxide is the main source of carbon, used for fuel production (CH4) and an essential element for life.
Nitrogen (N2)
1% of martian atmosphere
Nitrogen is used by plants and is part of a breathable atmosphere
Argon (Ar)
1% of martian atmosphere
Argon is an inert gas, useful in some industrial processes as an inert atmosphere and may be used as propellant in Electric Propulsion of spaceships.
Water (H2O)
Water is the main source of hydrogen, used for fuel production (CH4) and for the synthesis of hydrocarbons, the building blocks for life.
Lithosphere (surface)
Main article: Mining
Minerals in the crust of Mars must be mined and processed to be useful. The upper layer of Mars surface is called the Regolith. It is a mixtures of materials of various interest.
Water
Water can be gathered in a variety of ways. It is available in the form of water ice or as hydrated minerals.
Silicates
Silicates (SiO2) are useful for the production of glass and building materials. It is one of the main components of the martian planetary crust.
Iron ore
Iron ore ( Hematite:Fe2O3) or (Magnetite: Fe3O4) is a source of iron and steel, as well as oxygen or CO2, depending on the process used.
Alumina
Alumina (Al2O3) is the source of aluminium. Processing also produces CO2 or water depending on the process used.
Carbonates
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is used for concrete production. Carbonates are also a potential source of carbon for carbohydrates.
Carbonates are available on Mars.[1]
Sulfates
Nitrates
Nitrates are sources of nitrogen for plants and industrial processes, ammonia and explosives.
Salts
(Mg,Na)SO4, NaCl, and (Mg,Ca)CO3. Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, lithium, Chlorine. Practically all minerals and elements can be found in the form of salts. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is the most common salt, and is essential for life.
Chlorides are likely to be abundant on MArs.[2]
Energy
Energy is required to carry out ISRU. There are two known sources of energy on Mars, the sun and nuclear fission. Energy may be stored in a variety of ways for when the sources are not available.
Solar energy
Nuclear energy
Energy storage
Energy distribution
Processes
Compression
Mechanical compression of gases increases their density
Thermal processes
Heating and cooling are important processes that can be used to accomplish phase changes in various substances.
Crushing, milling
These are mechanical processes that break minerals down to individual crystals for separation and materials handling. Complex minerals such as basalts, granites or ores can be broken down for separation
Separation
Mechanical, centrifugal, Flottation,Distillation
Electrolysis
Deoxidation (usually, but not exclusively) of a compound into individual elements
Chemical reactions
Synthesis
Hydrocarbon synthesis
- Main article: Hydrocarbon synthesis
Hydrocarbons can be manufactured by combining hydrogen and carbon through a variety of reactions.
decomposition (electrolysis), single and double replacements.
Utilization
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Water
Water is essential for life. It is also a common process reagent, an excellent coolant for industrial processes and a source of hydrogen and oxygen using electrolysis.
On Mars it can also be used as a construction material or as radiation shielding.
Breathable Atmosphere
A breathable atmosphere is a basic requirement for life. It is also needed for heat transfer from people, plants and animals.
Habitats
Habitats, including living and production areas, are assembled from manufactured products or possible naturally occurring areas sur as lava tubes, to create living areas for the colonists, plants and animals.
Food production
Agriculture
Plants are natural factories, capable of utilizing the atmosphere and regolith to grow and reproduce.
Manufactured Products
Propellant
Propellant is one of the main ISRU products. It is required to make transportation less prohibitively expensive.
Silicone Synthesis
- Main article: Silicone synthesis
