Aeolis – Utilization of Martian atmospheric gases for collection, transport and beneficiation of regolith

Kurzfassung

In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is a crucial step for sustainable space exploration, as it encompasses all processes that make use of local resources to generate useful products that enhance robotic and human mission capabilities. The surfaces of both the Moon and Mars are covered in regolith, a layer of fragmented rocks and fine dust rich in valuable elements and minerals, offering a primary resource for oxygen extraction, infrastructure and manufacturing. Unlike the Moon, Mars has a thin CO2-dominated atmosphere with an average surface pressure of 6 mbar that can be actively utilize to collect, transport and sort particles via saltation, suspension and entrainment in the gas flow. This ESA-funded study, Aeolis, explores adapting terrestrial technologies such as suction devices, pneumatic transport lines, and air classifiers for regolith handling purposes. Aeolis followed a three-phase research plan: Firstly, a theoretical analysis was carried out to establish a foundational understanding of how the Martian atmospheric gases can be actively used to facilitate regolith handling processes. Secondly, a trade-off study determined which regolith-handling processes (collection, beneficiation, and/ or transport) offer a high potential for active atmospheric utilization. Finally, based on the previous findings, the most promising technology candidate was further developed to define requirements for designing an initial experimental breadboard. The findings of the study aim to validate atmospheric-driven systems, which can simplify the ISRU process chain by integrating collection and beneficiation, ultimately laying the groundwork for sustainable Martian infrastructure.