The key scientific and technological issues in lunar resource exploration

In-situ resource utilization （ISRU） on the moon can effectively reduce the costs of construction and operation of Lunar Research Station, while enhancing their autonomy. Resource exploration is the first step in resource utilization. Lunar surface resource exploration refers to systematic exploration of lunar minerals through geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and drilling operations. This includes determining the shape, scale, attitude, and grade variability of ore bodies, as well as the material composition and quality of ores, for the calculation of resource reserves and the formulation of development plans. Based on the current state of research into lunar resource exploration, identifies four key scientific and technological issues: how to define critical lunar mineral resources; the formation and evolution laws of lunar ore deposit are still unclear; there is a lack of data related to the process mineralogy of lunar resources; there are no established standards for lunar resource exploration. Solving these key issues will help advance the development of lunar surface resource exploration, providing significant support for evaluating the economic and technical feasibility of in-situ resource utilization on the moon.