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Asteroids
A unique, wide-ranging examination of asteroid exploration
and our future in space Human travel into space is an
enormously expensive and unforgiving endeavor. So why go? In this
accessible and authoritative book, astrophysicist Martin Elvis
argues that the answer is asteroid exploration, for the strong
motives of love, fear, and greed. Elvis's personal motivation is
one of scientific love-asteroid investigations may teach us about
the composition of the solar system and the origins of life. A more
compelling reason may be fear-of a dinosaur killer-sized asteroid
hitting our planet. Finally, Elvis maintains, we should consider
greed: asteroids likely hold vast riches, such as large platinum
deposits, and mining them could provide both a new industry and a
funding source for bolder space exploration. Elvis explains how
each motive can be satisfied, and how they help one another. From
the origins of life, to \"space billiards,\" and space sports, Elvis
looks at how asteroids may be used in the not-so-distant future.
eBook
Asteroids : how love, fear, and greed will determine our future in space
Human travel into space is an enormously expensive and unforgiving endeavor. So why go? In this accessible and authoritative book, astrophysicist Martin Elvis argues that the answer is the asteroid exploration, for motives of love, fear, and greed. Elvis's personal motivation is one of scientific love - asteroid investigations may teach us about the composition of the solar system and the origins of life. A more compelling reason may be fear - of a large asteroid hitting our planet. Finally, Elvis maintains, we should consider greed: asteroids likely hold vast riches, such as large platinum deposits, and mining them could provide both a new industry and a funding source for bolder space exploration. Elvis explains how each motive can be satisfied, and how they help one another. From the origins of life, to \"space billiards\" and space sports, Elvis looks at how asteroids may be used in the not-so-distant future.
Book
Potential of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans to Grow on and Bioleach Metals from Mars and Lunar Regolith Simulants under Simulated Microgravity Conditions
The biomining microbes which extract metals from ores that have been applied in mining processes worldwide hold potential for harnessing space resources. Their cell growth and ability to extract metals from extraterrestrial minerals under microgravity environments, however, remains largely unknown. The present study used the model biomining bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans to extract metals from lunar and Martian regolith simulants cultivated in a rotating clinostat with matched controls grown under the influence of terrestrial gravity. Analyses included assessments of final cell count, size, morphology, and soluble metal concentrations. Under Earth gravity, with the addition of Fe3+ and H2/CO2, A. ferrooxidans grew in the presence of regolith simulants to a final cell density comparable to controls without regoliths. The simulated microgravity appeared to enable cells to grow to a higher cell density in the presence of lunar regolith simulants. Clinostat cultures of A. ferrooxidans solubilised higher amounts of Si, Mn and Mg from lunar and Martian regolith simulants than abiotic controls. Electron microscopy observations revealed that microgravity stimulated the biosynthesis of intracellular nanoparticles (most likely magnetite) in anaerobically grown A. ferrooxidans cells. These results suggested that A. ferrooxidans has the potential for metal bioleaching and the production of useful nanoparticles in space.
Journal Article
Giant leap. Space mining is here, led by this tiny country
With a decades-long track record of making space a profitable business, Luxembourg is betting big on everything from space resources, satellites and training the next generation of space entrepreneurs.
Streaming Video
The art of living together: space mining ecosystem, sustainability and accountability
PurposeA major obstacle regarding the measurement of an organization's sustainability and accountability in the space economy is defining the context and boundaries of commercial activity in outer space. Here, we introduce an ecosystem framework to address this obstacle. We utilize this framework to analyze the space mining sector. Our ecosystem framework sets the space mining sector's boundaries and helps a firm identify key stakeholders, activities, policies, norms and common pool resources in that sector and the interactions between them; a significant step in structuring how to measure space sustainability and accountability.Design/methodology/approachBorrowing theories and perspectives from a wide range of academic fields, this paper conducts a comprehensive context analysis of the space mining ecosystem.FindingsUsing our ecosystem framework to define the context and set boundaries for the space mining sector allowed us to identify sustainability-related issues in the sector and offer roadmaps to develop sustainability measures and standards.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first papers to introduce a framework to define boundaries in the global space economy and provides a tool to understand, measure and evaluate the space mining sector's environmental, social and economic issues.
Journal Article
A Review of Different Aspects of Off-Earth Drilling
Off-Earth drilling may be assumed as the second phase of space exploration to discover the unrevealed subsurface on the planetary bodies. It accelerates future space objectives such as in-situ propellant production, mineral exploitation, and space tourism. Owing to the rampant progress in modern technology, the new drill tools mounted on the sophisticated robots are capable to drill the planetary regolith dispersed on the celestial objects; however, formidable obstacles such as microgravity, vacuum condition, and temperature fluctuation as well as the weight limitation, lack of real-time drilling analysis, and remote robot-operator communication impose pressing restrictions on the quick development of space drilling tools. In this study, research on the past and present aspects of off-Earth drilling has been implemented to illuminate the horizon of this technology in the near-term future. The context encompasses a detailed description of the limitations, applications and mechanisms of the different drilling techniques adopted for planetary bodies. A particular emphasis is put on the hydraulic power systems which have not been satisfactorily deployed in off-Earth drilling yet. The research strives to glance over the pivotal aspects of off-Earth drilling to contribute to the future drilling programs planned by the national and private space agencies.
Journal Article
Toward Sustainable Mining: Exploring Alternative Mineral Resources and Innovative Extraction Techniques
The relentless pace of industrialisation and globalisation has precipitated the rapid depletion of surface mineral deposits, presenting a formidable challenge to conventional mining operations and exerting a detrimental impact on their profitability. This depletion, coupled with the escalating demand for minerals, has driven prices to unprecedented highs, thereby inflating operating costs across various industries. Traditional surface and underground mining methods, struggling to meet burgeoning demands, contribute significantly to environmental degradation and substantial energy consumption. In response to these challenges, this study advocates for a paradigm shift from conventional mining methods and mineral resources toward untapped alternatives that hold the potential for enhanced economic viability and sustainability. Utilising environmentally friendly techniques and adopting more economical approaches becomes paramount in addressing the pressing demands of the current era and securing resources for future generations. This short review examines potential alternative mineral resources and the associated mining methods, including fluidised mining, deep-sea mining, brine mining, urban mining, in-situ and heap leaching, and space mining. A meticulous evaluation of the state-of-the-art technologies developed for these unconventional methods is conducted, including an assessment of their respective advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the study deliberates on the prospects of each approach, elucidating their potential contributions to alleviating the global metal crisis. This research provides insights that can inform sustainable mining practices and guide the industry toward a more environmentally responsible and economically viable future. The urgency of such a transition is underscored by the need to address the challenges posed by conventional mining and ensure the availability of mineral resources for generations to come.
Journal Article
Experimental Study on the Flow and Diffusion Laws of Heterogeneous Gangue Slurry in Mining Space
Gangue grouting and backfilling for the mining space is an effective measure to address the substantial discharge of gangue in coal mining and the extensive mining space. The flow and diffusion characteristics and laws of gangue slurry directly determine the success or failure of gangue grouting and backfilling mining. In this study, a self-designed gangue grouting and backfilling simulation test system was developed with a visual backfilling function, the flow and diffusion characteristics and distribution shape of gangue slurry in the mining space were obtained, and the influence of porosity, injection pressure, and slurry properties on the diffusion range of gangue slurry was revealed. The results show that the gangue slurry undergoes both horizontal and vertical diffusion in the mining space and the diffusion process is divided into three stages: rapid diffusion stage, stable seepage stage, and horizontal expansion stage. The distribution shape of the gangue slurry is a combination of circular cones of different sizes. The linear growth relation between the diffusion range and vertical depth of gangue slurry gradually transforms into a nonlinear growth relation with the increase of grouting pressure. The increase of porosity enhances the vertical diffusion of gangue slurry and the increase of injection pressure prolongs the amplitude of horizontal diffusion. Besides, the presence of coarse-grained gangue has a significant influence on the slurry diffusion range. When the outlet pressure of the actual grouting is between 2 and 6 MPa, the diffusion range of the gangue slurry is about 300 m. This research provides a theoretical foundation for investigating the control effect of surface deformation and the design of key parameters in gangue grouting and backfilling within mining spaces.
Highlights
A self-designed gangue grouting and backfilling simulation test system was developed with a visual backfilling function.
The flow and diffusion characteristics and distribution shape of gangue slurry in the mining space were obtained.
The influence of porosity, injection pressure, and slurry properties on the diffusion range of gangue slurry was revealed.
Journal Article