Assessing the Potential of Lunar Resource Utilization

This article is a technical report that examines the potential for developing a lunar economy through resource utilization. It discusses the increasing interest from private investors in lunar exploration and the significant capital investment required for establishing a sustainable lunar ecosystem. The report outlines a six-step process for assessing the business potential of lunar resources, focusing on propellant production as a key application. It details the supply and demand sides, potential scenarios for the lunar economy, and the drivers of demand, including human presence and availability of lunar energy. The article also identifies various lunar resources, such as oxygen, hydrogen, and water ice, and discusses their implications for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). The report concludes with an exploration of different future scenarios for lunar development, highlighting the uncertainty and variation in potential outcomes for lunar resource utilization. This analysis aims to enhance understanding of the factors influencing the future of lunar economic activities.