Most in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) techniques proposed to date are focused on extracting consumables requiring minimal processing to support human missions to the Moon or Mars. Lunar and other planets’ industrialization will need access to various in-situ resources. This will involve subsurface mining by the rover.
CESER research group, under the supervision of Dr. Ellery, has begun developing a specialized drill and instrumentation system that will allow planetary rovers to extract core samples from Mars’ polar ice caps and another planetary subsurface. This technology underwent extensive testing at McGill’s Arctic research station in Nunavut to optimize its performance under similarly harsh conditions.