Asteroid Mining-How Soon?

Grandpa2390 said:

Yeah, but we still have to get that fuel into space, which is the point of what I was saying. However, we may be able to mine hydrogen, and just have to carry oxygen into space. or maybe we can invent a new for of propulsion because I hate the idea of ejecting all of our oxygen into space...

Click to expand...

Grandpa2390 said:

I dont know. I just don't think demand is high for these materials yet.

Click to expand...

Based on known terrestrial reserves, and growing consumption in both developed and developing countries, key elements needed for modern industry and food production could be exhausted on Earth within 50–60 years.[2] These include phosphorus, antimony, zinc, tin, lead, indium, silver, gold and copper.[3] In response, it has been suggested that platinum, cobalt and other valuable elements from asteroids may be mined and sent to Earth for profit, used to build solar-power satellites and space habitats, and water processed from ice to refuel orbiting propellant depots.
Asteroid mining - Wikipedia

Click to expand...

loveofourlord said:

wich given how slow space travel advancements ae is, is about how long it will take to make space mining profitable hehe.

Click to expand...

cloudyday2 said:

oops meant to post to the music thread, sorry.

Click to expand...

Post Tenebras Lux said:

The first instance will likely be this.

It's actually a fascinating mission in principle as it's more than just 'mining' as such(more so the collection of samples). It's part of a wider plan that will be one of the first few manned tests of the Orion capsule that's designed to take man to Mars.

2020s can't come soon enough! It's an amazing time if you're a space junkie like I am lol.

Click to expand...