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AREAS OF INTEREST
To drive innovation in lunar resource extraction, ESA is seeking proposals for challenges in the following areas:
EXCAVATION, TRANSPORTATION AND BENEFICIATION
Proposals that focus on the pre-phase of resource extraction, including excavation, transportation, and beneficiation of lunar resources. This area of focus is closest to traditional mining and may include challenges related to efficient excavation techniques, transportation infrastructure, and processing technologies.
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Proposals that focus on the development of cost-effective and sustainable technologies for extracting and processing resources on the Moon to transform resources into usable products to support future human exploration and establish a lunar economy. This area may include challenges related to refining techniques, production of high-value products, and optimization of resource extraction processes.
RESOURCES EXTRACTION AND PROCESSING
Proposals that focus on the storage, distribution, and utilization of products derived from lunar resources extraction, including metals and products like Oxygen. This area may include challenges related to the development of storage and distribution infrastructure, the integration of lunar-derived products into space missions, and the identification of new use cases for lunar resources.
STORAGE, DISTRIBUTION AND UTILIZATION
THE CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS IS NOW CLOSED
We welcomed proposals from individuals, academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners. Proposals were of no more than 2 pages in length and clearly described the proposed idea, its potential impact, and the feasibility of its implementation.
Please note that ESA has established a pilot plant for testing purposes, and proposals that can be tested at the pilot plant will be given priority.
ESA is currently evaluating the proposals received based on their potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with ESA's overall objectives for space exploration and resource utilization. Selected proposals may be awarded funding for further development and testing, including the opportunity to test technologies in our pilot plant on the Moon.
Webinar 6 June 2023
Call for ideas: Can you help us identify challenges along the lunar ISRU value chain?
Watch the recording of our engaging information session to learn more about the call’s goals and expectations. Our panellists are guiding you through the submission process, sharing their expertise on ISRU, and answering the community's questions regarding the campaign.
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