Site Characterization for the RedWater ISRU System
Publication: Earth and Space 2022
ABSTRACT
Honeybee’s RedWater system is being developed as an in situ resource utilization (ISRU) approach to mining glacial ice on Mars. Our investigation addresses the environmental and geological considerations vital for system success (e.g., site latitude, ice purity, nature of impurities, and constraints on overburden). We will present an assessment of several site locales suitable for the implementation of the RedWater system using existing orbital spacecraft data. A combination of radar sounding, imagery, and other data at landing-site scales will enable constraints to be placed on the thickness, properties, and distribution of ice resources and overburden.
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Earth and Space 2022
Pages: 386 - 393
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Published online: Jan 5, 2023
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