ISRU Evaluation of Artemis Campaign Sites: Considerations and Methodology

The Artemis campaign has stated goals of ‘sustainable exploration’ [1] which includes In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). The selection of the lunar polar region for Artemis was in part due to the identification of water in permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) which is of both scientific and exploration interest. The potential use of this water (as is, or as oxygen/hydrogen) for NASA and commercial applications, such as refueling vehicles, for power systems, or supplying life support consumables, is reflected in NASA’s Moon to Mars objectives (LI-7) [2]. These objectives also specify the need to locate and characterize the lunar water such that a water ‘reserve’ can be identified (AS-3).
While infusion of ISRU capabilities is not planned for Artemis III, it is an opportunity to collect information to identify water reserves for later Artemis and commercial use. Selection of an Artemis III site with ISRU consideration will help advance the infusion of ISRU into later missions.