Space mining and its integration as a model of space sustainability in the 21st century
Heading:
| 1Ortiz, ECM, 1Muñoz, LFM 1Aeronautical Engineering, Fundación Universitaria Los Libertadores, Colombia |
| Space Sci. & Technol. 2025, 31 ;(5):73-83 |
| https://doi.org/10.15407/knit2025.05.073 |
| Publication Language: English |
Abstract: This paper discusses space mining as a viable solution to the growing scarcity of rare metals critical to the technology and aerospace industries. The limited availability of these resources on Earth has encouraged the exploration of nearby asteroids (NEAs), which contain significant concentrations of elements such as platinum, nickel, and iron. Several space missions, such as OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa2, have demonstrated the potential of these celestial bodies as sources of materials thousands of times richer than terrestrial deposits. In parallel, advances in robotics and artificial intelligence have enabled the development of autonomous extraction systems adapted to microgravity conditions. Although initial costs are high, the reuse of rockets and advances in space transportation have improved their economic viability. In addition, this approach could mitigate the environmental impact of conventional mining, reducing deforestation, soil contamination, and consumption of water resources. However, significant challenges remain, such as the absence of an international legal framework governing the ownership and exploitation of resources in space, as well as technological barriers to the handling and transport of materials to Earth. Despite these limitations, space mining represents a transformative strategy to ensure the sustainable supply of strategic resources and foster long-term scientific and technological development.
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| Keywords: Asteroid Mining, asteroids, Space Mining, Space Sustainability, Sustainability |
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