A Review of Different Aspects of Off-Earth Drilling

Dariusz Knez and Mitra Khalilidermani
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Dariusz Knez: Department of Drilling and Geoengineering, Faculty of Drilling, Oil and Gas, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Mitra Khalilidermani: Central Regional Water Stock Company of Markazi Province, Arak 053, Iran

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 21, 1-18

Abstract: Off-Earth drilling may be assumed as the second phase of space exploration to discover the unrevealed subsurface on the planetary bodies. It accelerates future space objectives such as in-situ propellant production, mineral exploitation, and space tourism. Owing to the rampant progress in modern technology, the new drill tools mounted on the sophisticated robots are capable to drill the planetary regolith dispersed on the celestial objects; however, formidable obstacles such as microgravity, vacuum condition, and temperature fluctuation as well as the weight limitation, lack of real-time drilling analysis, and remote robot-operator communication impose pressing restrictions on the quick development of space drilling tools. In this study, research on the past and present aspects of off-Earth drilling has been implemented to illuminate the horizon of this technology in the near-term future. The context encompasses a detailed description of the limitations, applications and mechanisms of the different drilling techniques adopted for planetary bodies. A particular emphasis is put on the hydraulic power systems which have not been satisfactorily deployed in off-Earth drilling yet. The research strives to glance over the pivotal aspects of off-Earth drilling to contribute to the future drilling programs planned by the national and private space agencies.

Keywords: space exploration; hydraulic power systems; ultrasonic drilling; water extraction; space mining; mole; NASA; Mars; Moon; rover (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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