space mining

Latest about space mining

Earth rising over the lunar surface.

Humans have big plans for mining in space — but there are many things holding us back

By Michael Dello-Iacovo, Serkan Saydam published

Setting up any kind of off-Earth mining industry will be no small feat. Let's look at what we're up against.

Human Spaceflight
AstroForge aims to mine platinum-group metals from asteroids and return the valuable resources to Earth.

Asteroid-mining startup AstroForge raises $13 million, books launch for test mission

By Mike Wall published

AstroForge, which was founded in January 2022, came out of stealth mode today (May 26), announcing that it aims to become the first-ever viable asteroid mining company.

Asteroid & Comet Missions
An artist's depiction of the metal-rich asteroid Psyche, which a NASA spacecraft will visit later this decade.

What can we do with a captured asteroid?

By Paul Sutter published

Asteroids are packed with gold and other valuable resources. And the best way to harvest those metals may be to bring space rocks to Earth.

Asteroids
In this screenshot from an animation about the Rocket Mining System, a joint effort of Masten Space System, Lunar Outpost and Honeybee Robotics, a rocket-equipped rover rolls onto the lunar surface to begin its ice-mining work.

Space miners may use rockets to harvest the moon's water ice (video)

By Mike Wall published

Three companies — Masten Space Systems, Lunar Outpost and Honeybee Robotics — are developing a new system that would use rockets to mine water ice on the moon.

The moon
Sphingomonas desiccabilis, one of three microbes chosen for the BioRock experiment, seen growing on basalt.

Microbe 'biominers' could help humanity build settlements on other worlds

By Mike Wall published

Bacteria successfully extracted resources from rocks in microgravity and at simulated Mars gravity, suggesting that "biomining" has real potential to aid off-Earth settlement, a new study reports.

Technology
An artist's depiction of astronauts walking on the moon as part of NASA's Artemis program.

8 nations sign US-led Artemis Accords for moon exploration and beyond

By Mike Wall published

Eight nations have signed the Artemis Accords, a set of principles outlining the responsible exploration of Earth's nearest neighbor, NASA officials announced today (Oct. 13).

Artemis
An artist's depiction of astronauts walking on the moon as part of NASA's Artemis program.

US policy could thwart sustainable space development, researchers say

By Mike Wall published

The United States' space policy threatens the safe and sustainable development of the final frontier, two researchers argue.

Artemis
Artist's illustration of mining activity on the moon.

Trump signs executive order to support moon mining, tap asteroid resources

By Mike Wall last updated

The lunar resources that will help the United States establish a long-term human presence on and around the moon are there for the taking, the White House believes.

Missions
Commercial use of water ice near the moon's poles will provide access to a supply line of in-space propellant, mining advocates say.

No Digging Required: Space Mining on the Moon and Beyond May Be Solar Powered

By Mike Wall published

The best way to extract water from the moon and near-Earth asteroids involves hitting the stuff with sunlight or other forms of radiation, if three NASA-funded projects are any guide.

The moon
asteroid mining

Space Mining Could Ruin Our Solar System If We Don't Establish Protected Places Now, Researchers Warn

By Brandon Specktor published

If humans mine one-eighth of the solar system's extraterrestrial resources, we could be doomed.

Solar System
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