Overview of NASA's RESOURCE (Resource Exploration and Science of OUR Cosmic Environment) Project

Abstract:

In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is key for sustainable exploration of the Moon and beyond. The RESOURCE project addresses key elements of ISRU through the four tasks listed below.

Task 1: Assess and characterize resource inventories of SSERVI Target Bodies. First we develop a semi-quantitative mineral potential model of resource assessment for water ice on SSERVI Target Bodies regarding resource inventories to identify prospective regions for the occurrence of ice, volatiles, or other resources.

Task 2: ISRU technology development and testing. Here we focus on a lunar resource prospecting payload to advance the state of current rover-mounted systems. We will also analyze lunar mining and demonstrate technologies for the collection and processing of extracted water for future mining feasibility.

Task 3: Assessing concepts of operations, capabilities and related human-robotic interactions in support of lunar robotic ISRU exploration. Here we focus on optimization of the robotic and human interactions for a mission to prospect for resources and optimize human-machine collaboration and human factors engineering task allocation. We design and test components of mixed reality to enhance and optimize the productivity of a lunar polar rover mission.

Task 4: Future ISRU robotic mission support activities (lunar test case). Through this work we produce data products to support lunar polar rover mission traverse planning purposes. We are developing advanced mission planning capabilities and will integrate mission scheduling tools into the ground data system software suite.

Citizen Science / Science Activation / Public Engagement. Students and post-doctoral researchers are integral members of our team. We also plan to 1) provide content for the OpenSpace data visualization project at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), 2) provide women Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to support the SETI Institute’s “Reach for the Stars: NASA Science for Girl Scouts” program, 3) deliver topical seminars through multiple online platforms, and 4) team with Howard University, a Historically Black College & University (HBCU), to help develop highly effective teachers who elect to serve in either urban schools or in education systems with a predominantly marginalized student population.