ISRU: A Double-Edged Sword for Planetary Protection?
A Double-Edged Sword: How ISRU Impacts Planetary Protection The dream of establishing a permanent human presence beyond Earth hinges on the ability to utilize resources found on other planets – this is where In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) comes in. From extracting water ice for life support and fuel production to 3D printing structures with local regolith, ISRU promises to revolutionize space exploration by minimizing our reliance on Earth-based supplies. But this technological marvel isn't without its challenges, especially when it comes to planetary protection – the critical task of preventing contamination between celestial bodies. The Promise of ISRU: Imagine a future where astronauts can build habitats, fuel their rockets, and even grow food using resources readily available on Mars or...