On June 18, 2024, we successfully hosted an online stakeholder workshop titled “From the MOON to EARTH – How water technologies developed for the Moon can help our everyday life on Earth.” This event was a key part of WP5.2 – Potential Terrestrial Applications Investigation, focusing on identifying market potentials for transforming LUWEX-developed technologies into valuable applications for Earth.
During the workshop, several insightful presentations were delivered by key project members. Paul Zabel from DLR introduced the LUWEX project, outlining the project’s objectives, partners, expected outcomes, and the specific focus of the workshop within the project’s broader scope. Rachele Perelli from Thales Alenia Space detailed the Water Purification & Storage Subsystem, discussing the design and test results while highlighting the challenges of adapting this technology for lunar use. Karol Leluk from WUST presented on the Water Monitoring Subsystem, offering a comprehensive overview of the technology and its market context, including a SWOT analysis and commercialisation strategies.
Screenshots from the introduction presentation, by Paul Zabel
The open discussion session was a highlight of the workshop, delving into the potential terrestrial applications of LUWEX-developed technologies. Participants emphasised the importance of identifying and highlighting the unique selling points of these technologies compared to existing solutions. Discussions also covered cost aspects, with insights into how series production could significantly reduce costs, making the system more affordable for broader use. The conversation touched on the potential for implementing these technologies in Lower Silesia, focusing on continuous use for maintaining water treatment functionality and reclaiming valuable resources from wastewater. Collaborative ideas emerged, such as leveraging precipitation maps and working with European colleagues to analyze water availability patterns across different regions. Further discussions explored advancing Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and their practical applications. The workshop underscored the need for industrialization and rigorous testing to refine these technologies for terrestrial use, drawing parallels from space-developed prototypes.
Overall, the workshop highlighted the significant potential of lunar-inspired water technologies for addressing Earth’s water challenges. By identifying unique advantages, exploring diverse applications, and strategizing commercialization steps, the LUWEX project aims to leverage advanced technologies to enhance global water management solutions.