Researchers in the UK recently identified 12 small asteroids close enough to Earth to be used in mining operations that could begin as early as 2021. The research was part of a larger effort by both private and public institutions to learn more about the potential for tapping into asteroids that could contain large deposits of valuable resources including platinum, iron-nickel ore or gold. Even if some of the resources were too expensive to carry back to Earth, certain minerals could be tapped to help refuel spacecraft already in orbit.
I am not understanding the technique yet the concern is who will regulate this and what danger does it pose. I believe it is dangerous to move asteroids that could become meteors. The safety of our planet out ways any benefit. There should be safe systems built in and greed should not be the motivating factor. There have been movies made about this stuff. We should also have contingency plans- what to do if something goes wrong with the process.
Loading ...
Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, It's Off to the Asteroid Mines We Go?
Posted by: Rachelle Dragani August 13, 2013 04:45 PMResearchers in the UK recently identified 12 small asteroids close enough to Earth to be used in mining operations that could begin as early as 2021. The research was part of a larger effort by both private and public institutions to learn more about the potential for tapping into asteroids that could contain large deposits of valuable resources including platinum, iron-nickel ore or gold. Even if some of the resources were too expensive to carry back to Earth, certain minerals could be tapped to help refuel spacecraft already in orbit.