NASA Explores Asteroid ‘Psyche’: A Space Rock Worth More Than the Global Economy
In addition to revealing mysteries about the early solar system, NASA’s mission to the asteroid 16 Psyche hopes to pique interest in the potential of space mining and resource exploitation in the future.
NASA’s Trip to an Asteroid Rich in Metal
On October 13, 2023, NASA launched a special expedition to investigate 16 Psyche, an odd asteroid situated between Mars and Jupiter. This asteroid is unique because, in contrast to most stony or ice asteroids, it is primarily composed of metals like nickel, platinum, and gold. Despite the fact that the mission is entirely scientific and has nothing to do with mining, scientists estimate its potential value to be around $100,000 quadrillion.
The Long Voyage to Psyche
The spaceship will travel more than 2.2 billion miles after being launched from Cape Canaveral. It is anticipated to reach the asteroid by 2029 after using Mars’ gravity to propel itself farther into space in 2026. By examining Psyche’s structure and metal-rich surface, NASA aims to gain a better understanding of how planets were formed.
Is It Possible to Mine Asteroids?
Many private space corporations are excited about the prospect of mining asteroids like Psyche. Metals that are scarce and costly on Earth, like palladium and platinum, are thought to be abundant in space. Products like autos and electronics require these materials. Businesses like TransAstra and AstroForge are already looking into this possibility.
The Major Obstacles That Remain
Asteroid mining is still far from feasible, despite the fact that it sounds like science fiction come true. Space scientists say the technology isn’t yet ready. According to NASA’s 1–9 readiness scale, current space mining technologies are still in their infancy, barely at levels 3–5. The tools must be at least level 6 or 7, which could take years, before any missions can begin.
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