ABOUT ESRIC
ESRIC is the first research, business and innovation centre exclusively focused on the use of space resources in support of human and robotic space exploration and the creation of an in-space economy. ESRIC is a joint initiative of the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA), the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) and the European Space Agency (ESA).
ESRIC’s activities are based on three main pillars: research and innovation, support for economic activities, community, and knowledge management. ESRIC connects leading academic, industrial, and entrepreneurial talents in the field, as well as contributes to economic growth by supporting commercial initiatives and start-ups. The ESRIC Star-up Support Programme brings a business incubation component and enables technology transfer between space and non-space players.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Research and innovation
Ambitious, mission-driven research and applications, best-in-class talent and state-of-the-art facilities unique in Europe are key to success. ESRIC is working closely with leading players in the space resources ecosystem from around the world to develop these capabilities.
ESRIC is undertaking research in the following areas:
Excavation, Beneficiation and Extraction of oxygen and metals
Process space resources produce, store and deliver feedstock and consumables
Resource Identification and Characterisation
Identify, excavate, transport and handle space resources
Construction and Manufacturing
Manufacture components, repair parts and build infrastructure using space resources.
Sustainability and responsibility Future in-space economy
ESRIC supports commercial initiatives in space resources. The Start-up Support Programme is the first worldwide incubation programme, entirely dedicated to space resources utilization. It aims to support early-stage ventures and start-ups designing novel technologies for space resources applications in refining their business plan, attracting customers, and securing their first investments.
Moreover, ESRIC aims to enable technology transfer between space and non-space industries and encourage public-private partnerships and new initiatives
Community management
ESRIC connects people and businesses, ambitions, and challenges, as well as facilitates knowledge sharing, by creating an open and collaborative environment in which the space resources community can enjoy the free exchange of ideas as they grow together. Space Resources Week is ESRIC’s biggest community-focused activity. During this flagship event, ESRIC brings together the space resources community and facilitate exchanges and opportunities for collaboration
TECHNICAL MEANS
ESRIC’s laboratories and testing facilities are located at Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology’s (LIST) premises in Belvaux Luxembourg. Office space for staff, contractors and external users associated to the projects are also part of the campus. The centre’s activities are supported by the establishment of ISRU dedicated laboratories that provide both standard and bespoke equipment.
MAIN CUSTOMERS
In line with current research activities, the facilities have the following capabilities:
- Simulant handling, beneficiation and analysis suite: Including physical and chemical analysis of granular materials.
- Microwave and thermal heating systems for construction using regolith simulants.
- Water and oxygen purification suite, including bespoke mixing of gases.
- Large end-to-end demonstrators for the extraction of oxygen from regolith simulants.
- Advanced materials characterisation facilities.
- Extensive suite of bench scale laboratory equipment, including furnaces, vacuum chambers, humidity controlled environment and fume hoods.
ESRIC will host and operate Europe’s largest Dusty Thermal Vacuum Chamber from 2026, and a ground-based oxygen production pilot plant is currently under design.
MAIN CUSTOMERS
ESRIC partners with public and private international players to create a hub of excellence for space resources in Europe.
MAJOR SPACE PROJECTS
- Lunar regolith processing for the production of consumables such as water, oxygen and metals (in partnership with ESA).
- Extraction of oxygen and metals from lunar minerals, aiming to produce alloys for additive manufacturing (partnership with Airbus)
- ESRIC start-up support program, offering business and technical support, incubation and access to non-dilutive funding.
- ESA-ESRIC space resources challenge, supporting innovative technical methods for prospecting resources on the Moon.
- Space resources knowledge management and sharing platform
- Space Resources Week, an annual event covering general, scientific, technical, business, legal and economic topics
