Overview
- Published in Advances in Space Research, the analysis compares subsurface ice recovery, soil moisture extraction, and atmospheric harvesting for human missions.
- Lead author Vassilis Inglezakis of the University of Strathclyde concludes buried ice is the most viable long-term water source.
- The study notes that accessible ice is unlikely near many plausible landing sites, limiting immediate use for early crews.
- Atmospheric and soil-based methods are presented as supplementary or emergency supplies, with atmospheric harvesting carrying high power and energy demands.
- The paper evaluates options by energy use, scalability, and suitability to Martian conditions and proposes new concepts for atmospheric collection to support in-situ resource planning.