University of Oxford represented at Luxembourg Space Resources Week 2026
Professor Richard Palin recently presented his work on “Potential Strategic Ore Deposits on Mars: Implications for In Situ Resource Utilization” on the main stage at Luxembourg Space Resources Week 2026.
Space Resources Week brings together space agencies, industry leaders, researchers and early-stage ventures to explore the future of space resources. The event is intentionally multidisciplinary, addressing the scientific, technological, economic, legal and regulatory dimensions of the sector, with participants united by a shared ambition to advance the sustainable and responsible use of space resources for our future in space and on Earth.
Upon his return, Professor Palin reflected on the strong sense of international collaboration that emerged throughout the conference.
“There was a lot of discussion about forming international collaborations to advance lunar ISRU research and forming communities where academics and industry can work together to become more than the sum of their parts.”
Professor Palin also discussed the general reaction to research into space resources, noting that one of the most common questions following publication of the team’s paper has been why researchers are dedicating time to the field.
“The most common question that has arisen from publication of our paper is “why are you spending time thinking about this?”, which is unfortunate, but exemplifies the reticence, I feel, of people to consider space resources as a viable area of research and innovation in the future.”
However, he explained that attitudes at the conference were markedly different.
“This was certainly not the case at LSRW where everyone present realises its value, not just for building a space economy, but for improving the lives of people back on Earth too. I feel that communication is key here to informing the non-expert why it’s worth investing money in such activities.”
The conference also featured a presentation from Vlada Stamenkovic of Blue Origin, who teased an upcoming lunar mission expected to become the first mission focused specifically on ISRU activities. Professor Palin said he had the opportunity to speak with Stamenkovic about Oxford EARTH’s work in the space resources field, adding that Blue Origin expressed interest in staying updated on future developments.
He also returned from the event with lunar regolith simulant samples gifted by one of the participating companies, which are currently being shipped to the UK.
