asteroid mining

Since its establishment in the 1870s, the USGS has focused on Earth. But now it's investigating what benefits may or may not exist in tapping extraterrestrial water, minerals and metals.

Planetary Resources' tiny Arkyd-6 satellite has completed all its mission goals in Earth orbit, just three months after lifting off atop an Indian rocket, company representatives said.

There will be a market for humanity's expansion beyond Earth orbit, industry experts said — but none of them can predict what form that market will take.

NASA is seeking proposals for studies and technology development efforts related to the use of space resources, particularly as they apply to future human missions to the moon and Mars.

A paper presented at a planetary science conference reflects the input of engineers and asteroid scientists to discuss the best approaches for space mining.

Astronomers could help asteroid miners identify the most promising targets, potentially slashing the cost of off-Earth resource extraction, Harvard astrophysicist Martin Elvis said.

Asteroid mining, giant orbiting internet antennas and space-based solar power could create a space economy that brings a Mars colony within humanity's reach.