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For years, asteroids have presented a picture of being very remote, lifeless bodies that float in space silently by themselves. However, with recent research, there is hope that certain asteroids may hold tremendous value for the world of economics and science. It has recently been suggested that smaller, carbon-rich asteroids could provide water, organic materials, and precious minerals that could fuel missions to space in the years to come. Though the thought of space mining may seem like a theme out of science fiction, recent findings are increasingly showing that the practice is actually more feasible than previously imagined. By studying the properties of special meteorites that hail from these asteroids, scientists are learning a great deal more about what lies beneath their thin crusts.
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How small asteroids could become the most valuable targets for space mining
Small asteroids have also received little attention compared to larger ones, but they can provide exclusive benefits too. Many of these asteroids are of primitive chemical composition, meaning that they have retained their original form since the creation of the solar system. According to the research published in Oxford Academic, this makes them valuable sources of scientific research pieces or time capsules. Scientists researching meteorites that belong to small asteroids have discovered that they contain carbon, organic elements, and metals that can be of particular benefit for missions in the future. While it can be costly to mine from Earth, mining in space can enable missions to be launched without carrying too many resources from Earth.Carbonaceous chondrites are a type of meteorite that is classified as very rare and is thought to come from carbon-rich asteroids. The meteorites are known to contain water-bearing minerals, organic materials, and materials that are essential in the production of life. The meteorites are analysed through the use of modern scientific analysis, such as mass spectrometry. The reason why the analysis is important is the fact that carbonaceous chondrites are very fragile, and most of them typically break into pieces during passage through the atmosphere.
Role of asteroid resources in Moon and Mars missions
Some asteroids could carry water that can be processed into fuel and life support materials in space. Then others could carry metallic elements like iron, nickel, and PGEs, which could support construction and industry in space instead of bringing them back on Earth. Scientists do not see any point in bringing back resources like water and precious metals discovered in asteroids, but rather using them in space.
Challenges of asteroid mining
However, the promise surrounding asteroid mining is overshadowed by some technical challenges. This is because a large percentage of the small bodies are covered by a rock material that is not easily accessible in a low-gravity environment. While it is possible to harvest samples of the materials using the current technology, it is not suited for large-scale mining. According to experts, it will take a couple of decades to establish mining in space. If this is made possible, this could fuel space exploration. Moreover, this could make us less dependent on Earth for resources. In addition to this, this could give us better knowledge and control over the asteroid that could possibly damage Earth. What looked like a dream goal for scientists is now being pursued with diligence.
