Factor

Impact

Gravity, 1.62 m/s²

Impacts density separations; Reduces gravity-driven fluid/particle flow; Increases influence of non-gravity motive forces (surface tension, magnetic attraction etc.); Decreases head pressure, increasing potential pumping heights.

Average surface temperature, 123 °C (Day) - 178 °C (Night)

Temperature variation will affect particle properties e.g. Equipment must be able to survive extreme thermal variations.

Pressure,

Unmeasured (Day) 3 × 10^-15 atm (Night)

Fluids must be used in a closed system with artificial pressure; Reduction in energy requirements for dissociation; Convective cooling not an option outside of closed systems.

Human Access,

Severely restricted

Highly reliable equipment (uncommon in terrestrial mining and metallurgy) is necessary. Modular designs will facilitate repairs/replacements. Autonomously controlled and automated robotic or remotely controlled uncrewed equipment preferable.

Day/Night Cycle, 708.7 hours

Regolith becomes less charged at night (no UV charging). Equipment cooling/heating is power intensive. Power generation at night becomes challenging, requires large power storage for solar based power solutions.

Availability of Water and other process-required resources,

Rare

Geochemical effects on feed material. Comminution and beneficiation processes need to be designed without the use of water. Renders the majority of terrestrial technologies useless.

Dust,

Electrostatic, abrasive, and everywhere

Dust suppression and/or mitigation technologies will become essential.