Logistics Analysis for Lunar Post-Mission Disposal
Evangelia Gkaravela, Hao Chen
TL;DR
The paper introduces a directed, multi-commodity flow model to optimize post-mission disposal and ISRU-driven resource logistics on the Moon. By integrating ISRU processes (MRE, SWE, DWE) with a cislunar transport network and a transformation matrix $Q_{ij}$, it quantifies economic and environmental trade-offs, including byproducts such as slag, metals, and volatile emissions. The analysis shows that ISRU-enabled missions can reduce total costs by about threefold compared to Earth-dependent supply, while simultaneously generating waste streams that require innovative disposal and recycling solutions. The work highlights the practical significance of coupling on-site resource generation with systematic waste management to enable scalable, sustainable lunar exploration, and points to future work incorporating additional ISRU methods (e.g., MCR, HR). All relevant equations are provided in the model, including the objective $J= extstyle \sum_{(i,j,t)\in\mathcal{A}} \bm{c}_{ij}^\top \bm{x}_{ijt}$, the mass-balance constraint, and time-window conditions, which together capture the complexity of lunar surface logistics and ISRU waste disposal.
Abstract
As human activities on the Moon expand through initiatives like NASA's Artemis program, the need for sustainable post-mission disposal strategies becomes critical to maintaining the lunar environment. This paper analyzes the logistics and environmental implications of waste products generated by In-Situ Resource Utilization technologies employed in oxygen production on the Moon. The study examines the inputs, generation of products, and the resulting byproducts from Molten Regolith Electrolysis, Soil/Water Extraction, and Direct Water Electrolysis systems. These technologies yield varied byproducts, including slag, metals and volatiles, each presenting unique challenges for disposal and recycling. The analysis assesses the economic and ecological impacts of In-Situ Resource Utilization activities on lunar operations using a multi-commodity flow model adapted from cislunar logistics frameworks. The results inform that ISRU-enabled missions achieve a significant threefold cost reduction. However, the management of byproducts remains a critical challenge, demanding innovative solutions to address their impact and support scalable and sustainable lunar exploration.