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 therefore working closely with leading players in the space resources ecosystem from around the world.
ESRIC focuses on the following thematic areas of research:
· 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 and knowledge 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 spaces 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.
In line with the research goal to process regolith and produce oxygen on the Moon, the research facilities have the following capabilities:
- Dry Chemistry and Analytical suite: access to the standard powder and standard powdered solids-handling tools, as well as analytical capabilities for the characterisation of input and output materials (i.e. simulant regolith and deoxygenated powders).
- Wet Chemistry suite: facilities to handle liquid substances (including acids used for output clean up) to process materials to then be analysed.
- E2E Demonstrators and Assembly suite: E2E reactors workbenches for components assembly and modifications
- Gas processing for gas purification experiments, gas analysis and controlled mixing of standard gases
Additional equipment will be added to the laboratories of ESRIC depending on the evolution of European research needs in this domain, including a Dirty Thermal Vacuum Chamber and terrestrial pilot plant.
MAIN CUSTOMERS
ESRIC partners with public and private international players to create a hub of excellence for space resources in Europe.
- Research and technology organisations
- Universities
- Commercial space companies
- Non-space commercial companies keen to expand their business in space resources.
- Space agencies
- International organisations
- Industry players
MAJOR SPACE PROJECTS
- Lunar regolith processing for the production of consumables such as water, oxygen and metals (in partnership with ESA).
- 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
