Category: Space Mining Technologies
About technologies that are an integral part of space mining
Unlocking the Future of Space Mining: New Method Efficiently Extracts Metals from Asteroids
Scientists led by Rodolfo Rivera at the University of Leicester have developed a new method for extracting metals from asteroids, a process that could drastically change the future of space mining and exploration. The study was recently published in Scientific Reports and focuses on the use of [more…]
NASA Psyche Mission: Features of the Psyche space vehicle
NASA’s Psyche spacecraft, roughly the size of a tennis court when its solar arrays are deployed, is equipped with cutting-edge technology and science instruments. Its main computer, flight software, and telecommunications systems were developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), while Maxar Technologies provided the main body [more…]
NASA’s Bennu sample collection exceeds target, recovery thwarted by stuck screws
At the Johnson Space Center, the team processing NASA’s asteroid Bennu sample has successfully collected 2.48 ounces (70.3 grams) of rocks and dust, surpassing the agency’s goal of 60 grams. The collected sample includes material found on the outside and inside of the sampler head, accessed through [more…]
OSIRIS-REx mission’s contribution to navigation technology
The team at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center has been refining their optical navigation software, GIANT, which played a crucial role in guiding the OSIRIS-REx mission to the asteroid Bennu. Optical navigation uses visual data from cameras or other sensors to navigate, similar to how humans do. [more…]
TransAstra’s FlyTrap Earns Spot on TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023
In a significant nod to innovation, TransAstra‘s cutting-edge space device, called FlyTrap, has been recognized in TIME Magazine’s esteemed list of the Best Inventions of 2023. Designed to tackle the escalating problem of orbital debris, FlyTrap represents a major stride in space technology and sustainability. The acknowledgment [more…]
International Mining and Resource Conference to explore space technologies, sustainability
The earth mining industry is undergoing a transformation driven by concerns about sustainability, environmental impact, and the need for operational efficiency. This has led to a greater adoption of state-of-the-art technologies and collaboration with other industries. These themes will be explored at the 2023 International Mining and [more…]
ESA’s Hera Mission Joins NASA’s DART in Groundbreaking Planetary Defense Efforts
The Hera mission The European Space Agency (ESA) is developing a space vehicle called Hera, planned to launch in October 2024. The Hera mission’s main goal is to learn more about the Didymos binary asteroid system, which consists of the asteroid Didymos and its smaller moon Dimorphos. [more…]
AstroForge Clears Key Milestone with Successful Hot Fire Test
AstroForge, an asteroid mining startup, has successfully completed a hot fire test for its Brokkr-2 surveyor spacecraft, setting the stage for a scheduled launch in the first quarter of 2024. The spacecraft will be launched on a Falcon 9 rocket and is part of Intuitive Machines’ second [more…]
The Dawn of Space Mining: NASA’s Journey to Metal-Rich Asteroid Psyche
NASA has initiated a groundbreaking mission to the metallic asteroid Psyche, located between Mars and Jupiter, using a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the mission aims to address crucial questions about the formation of our solar system and also assess the asteroid’s [more…]
Asteroid Mining Corp. reveals SCAR-E robot
Despite its name, the Asteroid Mining Corp. is not solely focused on asteroid mining but rather considers itself a robotics company with aspirations in the space resources market. Mitch Hunter-Scullion, the company’s CEO and founder, acknowledges that the space resources industry is not yet fully mature. In [more…]