Extraterrestrial In-Situ Resource Utilization: Mission Requirements and Key Technologies

Cheng Zhou , Wenbo Qin , Yuyue Gao , Jin Qiao , Lieyun Ding

Strategic Study of CAE ›› 2025, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (4) : 234 -246.

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Strategic Study of CAE ›› 2025, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (4) : 234 -246. DOI: 10.15302/J-SSCAE-2025.03.024
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Extraterrestrial In-Situ Resource Utilization: Mission Requirements and Key Technologies

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Abstract

With the leapfrog development of space technologies, extraterrestrial in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) is transitioning from a frontier concept to engineering practices. As a crucial pillar for building deep space exploration capabilities, the ISRU technology will reshape the future paradigm of deep space exploration and give rise to an emerging space economy centered on extraterrestrial in-situ resources. This study aims to investigate the mission requirements and key technologies for extraterrestrial ISRU. Based on literature review, expert assessment, and other methods, it constructs for the first time a resource-product mission requirement list and a key technology list for extraterrestrial ISRU, systematically evaluating the implementation pathways and technological development directions for ISRU missions. Based on the analysis results of the maturity, application timeline, development level, and constraints of key extraterrestrial ISRU technologies, the study indicates that the peak time for the realization of China's extraterrestrial ISRU technologies will be concentrated between 2031 and 2036. Technological application constraints and a lack of infrastructure are identified as major factors hindering extraterrestrial ISRU, highlighting issues such as inadequate matching of technologies with application scenarios and lagging construction of technology verification facilities during practical implementation. Looking ahead, the major tasks for extraterrestrial ISRU will focus on the development and utilization of water ice, lunar and Martian regolith, gaseous, waste, and mineral resources. Key extraterrestrial ISRU technologies encompass five areas: resource prospecting, in-situ manufacturing and construction, resource exploitation, product and consumable storage, and resource processing technologies.

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in-situ resource utilization / resource exploration / resource exploitation / extraterrestrial construction / lunar base

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Cheng Zhou, Wenbo Qin, Yuyue Gao, Jin Qiao, Lieyun Ding. Extraterrestrial In-Situ Resource Utilization: Mission Requirements and Key Technologies. Strategic Study of CAE, 2025, 27(4): 234-246 DOI:10.15302/J-SSCAE-2025.03.024

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Chinese Academy of Engineering project "Innovation and Management of Major Engineering Technologies"(2023-JB-09)

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