Integrating in-situ resource utilization: strategies for sustainable innovation in design, construction, and ecosystem development

ISRU technologies are poised to play a pivotal role in enabling sustainable human and robotic missions on extraterrestrial surfaces. By utilizing locally available materials for producing oxygen, water, metals, and construction materials, ISRU minimizes reliance on Earth-based resupplying, reduces mission costs, and enhances feasibility for long-term space exploration. This paper evaluates the efficacy of various ISRU techniques, including oxygen extraction, water sourcing, metals processing, and construction material production. The review includes additive manufacturing (AM) approaches and sintering-based construction, focusing on hybrid ISRU systems and cold sintering processes, which hold promise for Mars habitats. Findings indicate that combining regolith-based AM and sintering techniques with solar and microwave energy sources offers a viable strategy for creating resilient, radiation-shielded habitats and long-duration human infrastructure in space.