Talk Series: The Role of In-Space Resource Utilisation (ISRU) as an Enabler for Human Expansion into the Solar System and Beyond
Date: 13th July 2021
Time: 8pm UTC (London time)
Presenter: Satinder Shergill
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Summary
The need for In-situ Resource utilisation (ISRU) technological integration into the future planning of interplanetary settlements and the sustained human exploration of the solar system, has over time been recognized as fundamental to the successful implementation and maintenance of any network of infrastructural nodes capable of serving as settlements and storage/refueling/transit points throughout the inner solar system including Mars, the Moon, cis-lunar space and potentially even NEAs and main belt asteroids.
The establishment of such a network would also feed and sustain the orbital construction of the large structures and systems integral to O'Neil cylinder type stations and generational ships.
If the intended targets of such generational ships include other solar systems, then it could be argued that carrying ISRU technology aboard would increase the likelihood of success in such endeavours, as resources encountered on route and at the target system could be utilized to replenish systems and structures.
About the speaker
Satinder is currently in the final year of a PhD in Adaptive ISRU systems at Cranfield University focusing on ISRU value chain - node to node and end to end enabling technologies. He is fascinated by the interfaces between ISRU, life support systems, support structures and plants. He is also working with SolSys Mining AS (based in Norway). Qualifications: BEng Electronics & Satellite Engineering (University of Surrey), BSc Undergraduate Diploma – Astronomy (UCL), MSc Astronautics & Space Engineering (Cranfield University).
About the series
For more information on this series please visit our Talk Series page.