Overview of the lunar in-situ resource utilization techniques for future lunar missions

Along with the rapid development of space technology, extraterrestrial exploration has gradually tended to further-distanced and longer-termed planet exploration. As first step an attempt for humans build a perpetual base, building lunar base by in situ resource utilization (ISRU) will drastically reduce reliance supplies from Earth. Lunar resources including mineral resources, water/ice volatiles, solar energy contribute establishment long-term life support scientific missions, although we must consider challenges high vacuum, low gravity, extreme temperature conditions, etc. This article provides comprehensive review past developing processes ISRU latest progress several technologies, water access, oxygen production, construction manufacture, utilization, plant cultivation on Moon. Despite being able provide some material exploration, technologies need continuous validation upgrade satisfy higher requirements further missions. Ultimately, 3-step plan next decade is proposed, which consists providing technological solutions, conducting technical verification payloads, carrying out experiments, ultimate aim establishing permanent station surface activities. The overview techniques our suggestions potential guidance China’s future