The Allure and Obstacles of asteroid Mining
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Despite ongoing technological advancements and increasing interest from the private sector, extracting resources from asteroids remains a notable challenge. One celestial body capturing attention is 16 Psyche, a unique asteroid possibly worth a staggering Rp165,000 septillion (a number with 24 zeros!).
A Lost planet’s Core
Measuring over 226 kilometers in diameter, 16 Psyche is believed to be the exposed core of a protoplanet that never fully formed. Unlike the rocky composition of most asteroids, Psyche is thought to be rich in iron, nickel, and valuable rare metals like platinum and palladium – crucial components in modern electronics and the automotive industry.
though, NASA’s upcoming mission to Psyche isn’t driven by mining ambitions. The primary goal is to unlock the secrets of planetary formation by studying the metallic core of an ancient world, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the interiors of planets.
Technically Feasible, Financially Challenged
Planetary physicist Philip Metzger of Central Florida University argues that the technical hurdles to asteroid mining aren’t insurmountable. The key difference from terrestrial mining lies in developing equipment capable of functioning in low gravity and withstanding high radiation levels. Crucially, the necessary robotic technology and space equipment have already been developed and tested in laboratory settings.
However, according to NASA’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL) system, asteroid mining technology currently sits at levels 3 to 5. Reaching mission readiness requires levels 6 or 7, signifying triumphant testing in real space conditions. “The technology needs to be improved…before we are ready to build a flight mission. What is lacking right now is funding,” Metzger explains.
The Rise of Private Space Mining
While public space agencies prioritize research,a growing number of private companies,including AstroForge and TransAstra,are actively pursuing asteroid mining technologies. They face substantial obstacles related to cost and logistical complexity.
Kevin Cannon, an assistant professor at the Colorado School of Mines, questions the economic viability of returning mined materials to Earth. He deems the concept “economically dubious” due to the high mission costs and the fluctuating value of metals, notably platinum group metals.
instead, the most promising avenue appears to be in-situ resource utilization – directly exploiting asteroid resources in space. Water-rich asteroids can be processed into rocket fuel (hydrogen and oxygen), while metals can be used to construct satellites and space infrastructure, eliminating the need for costly Earth-based launches.
Asteroids vs. the Moon
Although the Moon is closer and possesses valuable resources, its metal content is significantly lower than that of metallic asteroids like Psyche. While lunar mining might be easier, its unlikely to yield the same abundance of resources.
Asteroids present thier own challenges. Even “near Earth” asteroids require carefully timed orbital windows for safe return missions. NASA’s Psyche probe,for example,is expected to arrive at its destination in 2029 after a six-year journey.
Currently, several space missions – including OSIRIS-REx, Hayabusa2, and Hera - are laying the groundwork for future mining operations.while not focused on direct metal extraction, these projects are developing essential technologies in navigation, sampling, and data return, all critical for successful asteroid mining endeavors.
(Source: detikINET)
