Space Mining

Space mining refers to the extraction of valuable minerals and resources from celestial bodies, such as asteroids, moons, or planets, rather than from Earth. The concept explores the potential of obtaining precious metals, water, and other materials that can support space exploration and development. Proponents of space mining argue it could provide resources to sustain long-term human presence in space and reduce the need to transport materials from Earth. Technologies for space mining may include robotics, autonomous systems, and advanced extraction techniques tailored for the unique conditions of space environments. The field is also associated with legal, ethical, and economic considerations, as current international space treaties govern the rights to resources beyond Earth.