On 26October 2023, the European Space Resources Innovation Centre (ESRIC) in collaboration with Space Application Services organised a community consultation that allowed experts to express their vision and enable, through their inputs, a better understanding of the needs of this diverse community.

This article aims to summarise the outcomes of the community consultation.

In the first part of the webinar, Dr Kathryn Hadler – Director of the European Space Resources Innovation Centre (ESRIC) and Diego Urbina - Team Lead for Future Projects and Exploration at Space Applications Services provided a high-level introduction to the topic.

Building and deploying a Lunar-based ISRU pilot plant is an unprecedented challenge requiring close consideration of the uncertain Lunar conditions. Therefore, ESA's initial endeavour is to develop a terrestrial analogue pilot plant, the Ground-Based Pilot Plant (GBPP).

Benefits generated by a GBPP:

• Technology Testing Validation
• Operational Feasibility Assessment and Optimisation
• Risk Mitigation
• Research and Development Platform
• Knowledge Generation
• Strategic Planning

Objectives of the GBPP design project:

• To develop a preliminary design, concept of operations and costing for a ground-based pilot plant producing oxygen and metal from Lunar regolith,
• To acquire the long-term characterization and understanding on the technologies currently foreseen in other projects and their integration at system level in the Ground-Based Pilot Plant,
• And as an option to provide ESA with the detailed design of the Process reactor unit for the next phase of procurement.

Following the introduction, the participants were asked to briefly explain what concepts come to their mind when thinking of a Ground-Based Pilot Plant (GBPP), as well as what are the crucial components of such a system These insights collectively paint a picture of the critical factors and essential features that should be at the forefront of the GBPP design.

By analysing and interpreting these views, this report aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the common priorities, challenges, and opportunities related to the GBPP:

Insights

Based on the answers received, it became apparent that the principle for the design of this platform should include the ability to maximise the integration of future new technologies and ideas (e.g. by applying an open architecture concept).

Emphasis on Remote Operations and Autonomy: The respondents consider remote monitoring of experiments and remote maintenance capabilities as crucial components for the GBPP. They also mentioned the importance of real-time observation and automation for autonomous operations.

Simulation of Lunar Conditions: Creating an environment that closely mimics lunar conditions is a top priority. The use of a Dirty Thermal Vacuum Chamber (DTVC) for testing under lunar-like conditions and flexibility in simulating different lunar environments is regarded as essential.

Testing and Flexibility: Flexibility is a key feature, allowing testing of different ISRU technologies and compatibility with various technologies beyond Molten Salt Electrolysis (MSE). Modularity in the system design has often been mentioned.

TRL and Scaling: There is a focus on prioritising Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) over scaling up, ensuring that technologies are mature and reliable before implementation. Closed-loop process feasibility and setting regolith requirements are considered necessary.

Energy and Maintenance: Identifying and addressing energy and maintenance requirements are an important aspect to consider in the GBPP design.

Process Monitoring and Analysis: Process monitoring devices and continuous monitoring of the entire process are deemed important for assessing product purity, production rates, reliability, maintainability, and availability.

Uninterrupted Operations: Ensuring uninterrupted operation has been identified as a consideration. This involves identifying the requirements for maintaining continuous operations and assessing the need for operator training.

The second activity of the webinar was dedicated to a more in-depth understanding of the topic. For this, the participants were asked to reflect on their specific interests in the GBPP, as well as on objectives to maximise and also pinpointing any negative aspects that should be kept to a minimum.

The answers reflect the desire of the community to have easy access, efficiency, and simplicity in GBPP design and operation to facilitate lunar ISRU research.

We would like to thank the participants of the webinar for their participation and involvement, their contribution is vital for an efficient design of the facilities. Following up on the outcomes of this initial consultation, we would like to ask the community to provide further inputs by answering the questions in this survey.

Timeline for implementation of the Ground-Based Pilot Plant (GBPP)

September 2023 – March 2024

• Preliminary Requirements Specification
• Research and Development Agenda
• Utilisation Plan
• Learning how to service the ISRU Community

December 2023 – July 2024

• Preliminary design

August 2024 – March 2025

• Breadboarding

September 2024 – May 2025

• Detailed Design of Reactor (Option)