While the exploration of outer space is a long-term aim of humanity, considerations for sustainability have gained importance. Space robotics is critical in the pursuit of sustainable activities to facilitate further exploration of the Moon and Mars, and even farther. This article analyzes the advantages that robotics will provide in solving the issues of environmental concern and other challenges pertaining resource use in the outer space.
Resource Extraction and Exploitation
Out of many areas of interest in space robotics its application in the extraction of resources is the most profound. Unlike Earth, the Moon and the asteroids have a lot of raw materials such as water, helium-3, rare metals and others. Why not build robots with advanced drilling and processing technologies to bring back these resources to avoid launching everything from the planet?
Additionally, the Artemis program by NASA states that for the first time, robotic missions will be launched towards the lunar South Pole to search and possibly manage the extraction of water ice. This substance is expected to support human beings who will stay on the Moon during the missions and that possibly can be used for the production of rocket propellants hence cheapening the cost of accessing space.
ISRU- In-situ Resource Utilization
ISRU stands for In-Situ Resource Utilization and it emphasizes on using materials located on missions support instead of bringing them from Earth. Tasks like this will be necessary for robots in order to search and apply those resources. For instance, robots could be used to make bricks out of lunar or Martian soil for the construction of research habitats and facilities without excessive logistical pressures.
Robotic Farming: Growing Food in Space
Finally, another issue that should be commended in the design of space missions which will span a long period of time is food production. Robotic systems can play a key role in developing agriculture in space. For this reason, by employing robots to seed, harvest produce and observe the activities, it is possible to create closed systems where waste is eliminated, and nutrients are cycled through – a necessity for establishing sustaini.
