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US advances in the space race and authorizes asteroid mining mission! New project promises to revolutionize space exploration: A single asteroid can contain 175 times the annual global production of platinum!

Written by Roberta Souza
Published 07/11/2024 às 21:02
“space”, “mining”, “technology”, “space exploration”
photo/reproduction: Canva
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AstroForge prepares to launch the first private asteroid mining mission, removing important metals in space!

A space exploration is the path of a revolutionary milestone: the asteroid mining , a breathtaking initiative that could forever change the way we obtain valuable minerals. The American startup AstroForge , specializing in space mining technology, has obtained US government license to launch an unprecedented mission. With an investment of approximately 55 million U.S. $, the startup aims to transform asteroids into accessible sources of rare and precious metals, while also reducing the environmental impacts associated with terrestrial mining.

In 2025 the AstroForge plans to launch the Odin mission in partnership with SpaceX. This endeavor will be a special “ride”: the AstroForge probe will be released into space by the Falcon 9 rocket, taking advantage of a SpaceX mission to the Moon. From there, Odin will continue its journey towards a metallic asteroid, outside the Earth-Moon system, according to the website revistaforum.

What makes the Odin mission a milestone for space exploration?

One of the great differences of the Odin mission is its pioneering nature. AstroForge will become the first private company to land on a celestial body outside the Earth-Moon system, made possible by the license of FCC (US Federal Communications Commission) for communication in deep space, above 2 million kilometers from Earth. This type of communication will be essential for sending data and commands in real time.

According to AstroForge, the goal is mining asteroids containing metals such as gold, silver and platinum. The company believes this will provide a more sustainable alternative, reducing carbon emissions and the environmental impacts of terrestrial mining. According to data from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , platinum-rich asteroids can contain concentrations 10 to 20 times higher than open-pit mines in South Africa, making these celestial bodies a space “gold mine.”

Is asteroid mining viable?

The idea of ​​extracting precious metals from asteroids is futuristic, but the technology required is still in the development phase. For companies like AstroForge, the financial returns are not immediate ; it is a long-term investment. The infrastructures for extract and refine metals in space are being designed, but there are still technological challenges to overcome.

The outlook, however, is encouraging. According to MIT, an asteroid measuring just 500 meters could contain up to 175 times the annual global production of platinum.. In a statement, AstroForge explained that “if successful, this will be the first private mission to explore and mine resources from a body outside the Earth-Moon system, bringing the vision of making extraterrestrial resources accessible to humanity closer.”

The race for space mining: a trend that’s here to stay?

With the growing interest in exploring the potential of space minerals , companies like AstroForge are paving the way for a new era in space exploration . If these missions are successful, the market could see the birth of an entirely new industry. Furthermore, space mining has the potential to provide essential minerals for the development of cutting-edge technologies such as batteries and electronic devices, which are essential for advancing renewable energy and combating climate change.

It groundbreaking asteroid mining mission reinforces the role of space exploration in the future of humanity. Exploring space minerals, AstroForge can help redefine industry buzz, making extraterrestrial resources an increasingly close possibility to meet global demands in a sustainable manner.

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Roberta Souza

Petroleum Engineer, postgraduate in Commissioning of Industrial Units, specialist in Industrial Corrosion. Get in touch to suggest an agenda, advertise job vacancies or advertise on our portal. We do not receive resumes

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