The Adaptation of Terrestrial Mining Equipment to In-Situ Resource Utilization on Planetary Bodies

Abstract

Future space missions to planetary bodies, both manned and robotic, will require the efficient utilization of in-situ resources to ensure longevity, success, and adherence to the “faster cheaper better” mantra now in vogue within various space agencies and upon which a number of new commercial space ventures are being developed. The Utilization of In Situ Resources, while requiring the development of new technologies and methods for commodity extraction, will still rely upon some method of mining technology for the harvesting and prebeneficiation of the raw materials prior to processing.