John Lewis on asteroidal resources

Scientist John Lewis discusses ways in which we can make productive use of the resources of asteroids.

An excerpt from the History Channel series "The Universe".

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• John Lewis
• asteroid
• mining
• resources
• space habitats
• solar power satellites

[jag9998]

Did the doomsday asteroid "Apophis" come to anyone's mind here? Apophis thinks it's spooky and all that, but once it gets here we're gonna pounce and strip it down like a pack of hyenas on a baby zebra!

[mikecombs61]

Hmm. A bit graphic. But I think I still applaud the attitude!

[mikecombs61]

A space commentator who I trust (Rand Simberg) says that heavy lift might not be as essential a requirement as the ability to refuel on-orbit.

[marmaladekamikaze]

@valcan321

too true, also perhaps with the utilization of Belbruno low energy transfer orbits.The costs would be even less.

[valcan321]

@marmaladekamikaze VASIMR looks to be good for that. Slow but much faster and cheaper than the traditionaly "throw a huge rocket on it then let it coast" method.

Plus there are asteroids in earth and moon system not just out in the belts.

[valcan321]

@marmaladekamikaze Who knows with the idiot SLS thing being shoved down our throat for some congressional jobs.

[marmaladekamikaze]

@jag9998

Unless I'm mistaken, Apohis has a density no more than 3g/cc so is not likely to be metal rich, or in other words there won't be much in the way of platinum group metals to be collected from it. Which means it won't be profitable to mine...unless some breakthrough in cheap propulsion is fielded.

[marmaladekamikaze]

@valcan321

I think NASA have decided on the more efficient 'in orbit fuel depot' concept. Over the need for a large launch vehicle.

[1umbnonearth]

Nice video, the music was creepy though...

[valcan321]

@mikecombs61 Yes for most things he is right. Part of the reason we need such large launch vehicles is that it takes alot of speed to get to GEO GSO not to mention the moon. Something in orbit would save alot of mass.

[mickeymoo26]

One day I think we will be doing this.