Space Resources Glossary
Would you like to know more about space resources glossary ? Then dive into our dictionary.
4D printing
Definition
4D printing refers to single-material or multi-material printing of a device or object that can be transformed from a 1D strand into pre-programed 3D shape, from a 2D surface into preprogramed 3D shape and is capable of morphing between different dimensions.
Source
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032386121005498
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/FourDimensional_printing
agglutinates
Definition
Agglutinates consist of comminuted rock, mineral, and glass fragments bonded together with glass. The glass is black in bulk but pale to dark brown in thin section, and is characteristically heterogeneous with dark-brown flow banding or “schlieren.” The glass contains many vesicles ranging in size from less than 1 micron to 1 cm and many minute, submicroscopic metallic Fe grains. The morphologies of agglutinates are delicate and complex. They are a common particle type in mature lunar soils.
Source
https://www-curator.jsc.nasa.gov/education/lpetss/definitions.cfm
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/agglutinates
beneficiation process
Definition
Process that improves (benefits) the economic value of the ore by removing the gangue minerals, which results in a higher grade product (ore concentrate) and a waste stream (tailings).
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beneficiation
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/beneficiation_process
discovered resource
Definition
According to LORS, all Inferred Resources, Indicated Resources and Measured Resources with a Geological Knowledge Error (GKE) of +- 50% and below, are considered and classified as Discovered Resources. These resources are above the Geological Discovery Test Line.
Source
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/discovered_resources
economical certainty
Definition
The ability and confidence of a Space Resources project to be economic at a specific Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Return of Investment (ROI), or any other economic indicator.
Source
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/economical_certainty
exploration process
Definition
Following the identification of potential resources, the characterisation of feedstock properties and knowledge of the space body geology takes place, including mineralogy, physical characteristics, and the variability in local materials.
Source
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/exploration_process
fiber optics
Definition
An optical fiber (or fibre in British English) is a flexible, transparent fiber made by drawing glass (silica) or plastic to a diameter slightly thicker than that of a human hair.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_fiber
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/fiber_optics
gamma ray
Definition
A gamma ray, also known as gamma radiation, is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. It consists of the shortest wavelength electromagnetic waves, typically shorter than those of X-rays.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma_ray
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/gamma_ray
in-situ consumable production
Definition
It involves acquiring, manufacturing, and storing mission consumables from in situ resources, such as propellants, fuel cell reagents, and gases for crew and life support, inflation, science and pneumatic equipment.
Source
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23865361_Common_In-Situ_Consumable_Production_Plant_for_Robotic_Mars_Exploration
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/in-situ_consumable_production
Lagrange point
Definition
Specific points far out in space where the gravitational fields of Earth and the Sun combine in such a way that spacecraft that orbit them remain stable and can thus be ‘anchored’ relative to Earth.
Source
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Types_of_orbits#lagrange
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/lagrange_point
laser sintering process
Definition
The laser sintering (LS) process uses a laser source to provide thermal energy and selectively fuse together particles of a powder material into complex three-dimensional shapes in a layer-by-layer strategy.
Source
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/laser-sintering-process
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/laser_sintering_process
low Earth orbit
Definition
A low Earth orbit (LEO) is, as the name suggests, an orbit that is relatively close to Earth’s surface. It is normally at an altitude of less than 1000 km but could be as low as 160 km above Earth – which is low compared to other orbits, but still very far above Earth’s surface.
Source
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Types_of_orbits#LEO
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/low_Earth_orbit
lunar simulant
Definition
Any material manufactured from natural or synthetic terrestrial or meteoritc components for the purpose of simulating one or more physical and/or chemical properties of a lunar rock or soil.
Source
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20060051776/downloads/20060051776.pdf
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/lunar_simulant
maturity condition
Definition
Refers to the degree of reworking by microrneteorites, as evidenced by grain size, proportions of agglutinates, proportions of grains with high solar flare track densities, solar wind gas content, or minute metallic Fe content as determined by Is/FeO ferromagnetic resonance measurement
Source
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/maturity_condition
metal production
Definition
It refers to all of the processes involved in the conversion of a raw material, such as a metallic ore, to a final form in which the metal can be used for some commercial or industrial purpose.
Source
https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/metal-production-0
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/metal_production
metalysis-FFC process
Definition
Electrochemical process where metal oxides are reduced by acting as a cathode in an electrolytic cell combined typically with a graphite anode and molten calcium chloride electrolyte.
Source
https://www.matec-conferences.org/articles/matecconf/abs/2020/17/matecconf_ti2019_07012/matecconf_ti2019_07012.html
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/metalysis-FFC_process
meteorite
Definition
A meteorite is a solid piece of debris from an object, such as a comet, asteroid, or meteoroid, that originates in outer space and survives its passage through the atmosphere to reach the surface of a planet or moon.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteorite
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/meteorite
microwave sintering process
Definition
Ceramic material processing technique that differs significantly from conventional sintering methods due to the nature of the heat transfer mechanisms involved.
Source
https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/62099
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/microwave_sintering_process
natural satelite
Definition
A natural satellite is, in the most common usage, an astronomical body that orbits a planet, dwarf planet, or small Solar System body. Natural satellites are often colloquially referred to as moons, a derivation from the Moon of Earth.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_satellite
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/natural_satelite
neutron star
Definition
The collapsed core of a massive supergiant star, which had a total mass of between 10 and 25 solar masses, possibly more if the star was especially metal-rich. They result from the supernova explosion of a massive star, combined with gravitational collapse, that compresses the core past white dwarf star density to that of atomic nuclei.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_star
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/neutron_star
non-profit organization
Definition
Legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in contrast with an entity that operates as a business aiming to generate a profit for its owners.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonprofit_organization
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/non-profit_organization
olivine
Definition
Name of a group of rock-forming minerals that are typically found in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks such as basalt, gabbro, dunite, diabase, and peridotite. They are usually green in color and have compositions that typically range between Mg2 Si O4 and Fe2 Si O4.
Source
https://geology.com/minerals/olivine.shtml
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/olivine
ontology
Definition
It encompasses a representation, formal naming, and definition of the categories, properties, and relations between the concepts, data, and entities that substantiate one, many, or all domains of discourse.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontology_(information_science)
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/ontology
orbit
Definition
an orbit is the curved trajectory of an object such as the trajectory of a planet around a star, or of a natural satellite around a planet, or of an artificial satellite around an object or position in space such as a planet, moon, asteroid, or Lagrange point.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbit
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/orbit
particle radiation
Definition
Particle radiation is the radiation of energy by means of fast-moving subatomic particles. Particle radiation is referred to as a particle beam if the particles are all moving in the same direction, similar to a light beam.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Particle_radiation
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/particle_radiation
peridotite
Definition
A course-grained igneous rock consisting largely of the mineral olivine, with pyroxenes and garnet or spinel. It is found in the mantles of terrestrial planets and differentiated asteroids.
Source
http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/PSRDglossary.html
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/peridotite
poikilitic
Definition
Relatively large crystals of one mineral enclosing numerous smaller crystals of one or more other minerals which are randomly oriented and generally, but not necessarily, uniformly distributed.
Source
https://www-curator.jsc.nasa.gov/education/lpetss/definitions.cfm
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/poikilitic
polar orbit
Definition
Polar orbits usually goes from north to south of Earth rather than from west to east, passing roughly over Earth's poles. Polar orbits are a type of low Earth orbit, as they are at low altitudes between 200 to 1000 km.
Source
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Types_of_orbits#SSO
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/polar_orbit
presolar grain
Definition
Preserved in primitive meteorites, presolar grains are stardust that formed in stellar outflows or ejecta in the molecular cloud, out of which our Solar System formed.
Source
http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/PSRDglossary.html
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/presolar_grain
primitive meteorite
Definition
A primitive meteorite is a chondrite that experienced minimal heating and aqueous alteration on its parent asteroid. Primitive meteorites have the highest concentrations of presolar grains.
Source
http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/PSRDglossary.html
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/primitive_meteorite
propellant
Definition
A mass that is expelled or expanded in such a way as to create a thrust or other motive force in accordance with Newton's third law of motion, and "propel" a vehicle, projectile, or fluid payload.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propellant
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/propellant
questionnaire file
Definition
A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions (or other types of prompts) for the purpose of gathering information from respondents through survey or statistical study.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Questionnaire
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/questionnaire_file
radioactive element
Definition
Radioactive elements are made up of atoms whose nuclei are unstable and give off atomic radiation as part of a process of attaining stability.
Source
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/radioactive-element
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/radioactive_element
rare earth element
Definition
One of a set of seventeen chemical elements in the periodic table, specifically the fifteen lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium.
Source
https://inspire.ec.europa.eu/codelist/CommodityCodeValue/rareEarthElement
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/rare_earth_element
refine process
Definition
Physical or chemical beneficiation increases the mass fraction of the component of interest in the feedstock by removing other components that are less useful or may interfere with the subsequent extraction.
Source
https://www.globalspaceexploration.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ISECG-ISRU-Technology-Gap-Assessment-Report-Apr-2021.pdf
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/refine_process
regolith
Definition
A blanket of unconsolidated, loose, heterogeneous superficial deposits covering solid rock. It includes dust, broken rocks, and other related materials and is present on Earth, the Moon, Mars, some asteroids, and other terrestrial planets and moons.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regolith
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/regolith
remote sensing probe
Definition
Device for detecting and monitoring the physical characteristics of an area by measuring its reflected and emitted radiation at a distance.
Source
https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-remote-sensing-and-what-it-used
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/remote_sensing_probe
remote sensing process
Definition
The acquisition of information on some property of a target object or material without being in physical contact with it. In the broadest terms, this is done by using instruments or scanners to sense and record reflected or emitted energy from the target and then processing the data in order to better analyze and understand the property in question.
Source
http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/PSRDglossary.html
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/remote_sensing_process
roche limit
Definition
The smallest distance at which a planetary object that has no internal strength can orbit another body without being torn apart by tidal forces (gravitational forces per unit mass exerted by the larger body).
Source
http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/PSRDglossary.html
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/roche_limit
sediment
Definition
Solid rock or mineral fragments transported and deposited by wind, water, gravity, or ice; precipitated by chemical reactions; or secreted by organisms; accumulated as layers in loose, unconsolidated form.
Source
http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/PSRDglossary.html
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/sediment
space economy
Definition
The Space Economy is defined by OECD as the full range of activities and the use of resources that create value and benefits to human beings in the course of exploring, researching, understanding, managing, and utilising space.
Source
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/space_economy
space logistics
Definition
The theory and practice of driving space system design for operability, and of managing the flow of material, services, and information needed throughout a space system lifecycle.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_logistics
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/space_logistics
space resource
Definition
An extractable and or recoverable abiotic resource in situ in outer space.
Source
https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/binaries/content/assets/rechtsgeleerdheid/instituut-voor-publiekrecht/lucht--en-ruimterecht/space-resources/final-bb.pdf
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/space_resource
space weathering
Definition
Processes that change the physical structure, optical properties, or chemical or mineralogical properties of the surface of an airless planetary body from their original state. These processes include meteorite, micrometeorite, and cosmic dust bombardment, solar wind ion implantation, and sputtering, in deep vacuum and temperatures approaching absolute zero (-273 oC).
Source
http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/PSRDglossary.html
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/space_weathering
sputtering
Definition
In the context of space weathering on the surfaces of airless planetary bodies, sputtering is the process in which atoms on the surface are knocked free by high-speed atomic particles in the solar wind; much higher-energy cosmic rays can also sputter surface materials.
Source
http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/PSRDglossary.html
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/sputtering
standard
Definition
A document established by consensus of subject matter experts and approved by a recognized body that provide guidance on the design, use or performance of materials, products, processes, services, systems or persons.
Source
http://www.iso.org
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/standard
study file
Definition
A site file for a Study that contains Ethics Committee member identifications, correspondence and approvals (including approval of the Protocol, the informed consent form and, in each case, any amendments thereto), the approved informed consent form, signed and dated informed consent forms, completed Case Report Forms and other clinical observations, log of all Study site visits, laboratory or other tests taken or performed and Study Drug receipt and disposition information and any and all other records or information required by the Regulations to be, or customarily, maintained in the conduct of human clinical trials.
Source
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/study_file
sun-synchronous orbit
Definition
Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) is a particular kind of polar orbit. Satellites in SSO, travelling over the polar regions, are synchronous with the Sun. This means they are synchronised to always be in the same ‘fixed’ position relative to the Sun.
Source
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Types_of_orbits#SSO
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/sun-synchronous_orbit
supernova
Definition
Also known as a core-collapse supernova, this is an enormously bright, energetic, catastrophic explosion that occurs at the end of the lifetime of a massive star whose core collapses.
Source
http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/PSRDglossary.html
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/supernova
supply process
Definition
Product storage and (standard) interfaces for transfer and handover of the products to subsequent processing steps, and ultimately to the final users. Subsequent processing steps can include product purification according to the requirements of the final user (e.g. water and gas purification to remove dust particles, sulphides, and other impurities). Supply products to applications of interest (e.g. propulsion, energy storage, life-support, manufacturing, and construction).
Source
https://www.globalspaceexploration.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ISECG-ISRU-Technology-Gap-Assessment-Report-Apr-2021.pdf
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/supply_process
technical certainty
Definition
The ability and confidence of a Space Resources project to supply a specific amount of resources, at a specific quality, rate, and efficiency, with assumed technologies and methodologies for extraction, processing, refining and supply.
Source
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/technical_certainty
technical detailed feasibility study
Definition
A technical evaluation of a proposed Space Resources Project, to as-sess and determine if the evaluated resource can be technically ex-tracted, processed, refined, and delivered.
Source
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/technical_detailed_feasibility_study
technology readiness level
Definition
A type of measurement system used to assess the maturity level of a particular technology.
Source
https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/engineering/technology/technology_readiness_level
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/technology_readiness_level
unclarified technical resource
Definition
Resources that are considered technically, technologically, and geologically extractable, with the available geological data, available technology, and available technical knowledge (studies). They have very low Geological, Technical and Technological certainty levels.
Source
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/unclarified_technical_resource
unrecoverable technical resources
Definition
Resources that are considered not technically, technologically, and geologically extractable, with the available geological data, available technology, and available technical knowledge (studies). They have very low Geological, Technical and Technological certainty levels.
Source
Example
SROnto Concept
https://purl.org/esric/sronto/unrecoverable_technical_resources
