The use of nonterrestrial resources is discussed in the context of facilitating the transport of space-vehicle propellant to be used for lunar and/or Mars missions. A cost-benefit analysis is conducted to determine the feasibility and efficiency of developing propellant-production facilities in space for future mission support. The analysis suggests that after 2-3 years a break-even point is possible for return-on-investment mass, and technological hurdles are described that include systems for automation, mining, and processing.


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    Title :

    Advantages of the use of lunar and Mars propellant production


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1991-10-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English







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