Currently, a number of these companies are in the process of testing equipment on earth and in orbit, as well as surveying, identifying and analyzing prospective target asteroids.įor a historical perspective, just imagine if in the 15 th century, at the dawn of Europe’s Age of Discovery, the explorers and backers had been prohibited from profiting from exploration. Another space venture, Deep Space Industries (DSI) has said it is planning to use materials made from mined asteroids, including fuel, water, metals and alloys, for in-space manufacture by the 2020s. That study was co-authored by two members of the asteroid mining operation, Planetary Resources. A recent study sponsored by the Keck Institute for Space Studies determined that a 500 metric ton asteroid could be captured and delivered to high lunar orbit where it would be mined for resources by 2025. While many of the key players have been hesitant to publicly state specific timetables, some indications have been given for when active space mining might be expected. Though these are still early days, there’s considerable speculation that space mining could eventually become a multi-trillion dollar industry. It’s been estimated that a single platinum-rich asteroid 90 feet in diameter could be worth as much as $50 billion. In light of this policy shift it seems likely that other nations will quickly follow suit. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act,” calls for facilitating “commercial exploration for and commercial recovery of space resources by United States citizens.” If the President signs the Act into law, it means commercial ventures will finally be able to try and profit from space exploration-which will stimulate further development, innovation and exploration. While claiming entire worlds is still off limits, as it probably should remain for a long time, the ability to mine and make use of materials from asteroids and other off-planet sources is finally being opened up. Half a century later, however, technology has advanced considerably, creating many new opportunities including the commercial exploration and use of space. Thoughts of a future era of commercial space mining were the farthest thing from most people’s thoughts. The exigencies of the era demanded that we address the risk of nuclear weapons in space and reduce our chance of nuclear annihilation. The 1967 treaty was signed at the height of the Cold War, during a time when the space race was in full swing and many people were rightly concerned about the militarization of space. Formally titled the “Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies,” the nearly fifty year old agreement has formed the basis of international space law ever since. Ever since the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, nations have been banned from claiming or appropriating any celestial resource such as the Moon or another planet. House and Senate marks a key milestone for the commercial space industry. Bird on Cal Ripken Jr.The recent passage of the Space Act of 2015 in the U.S.What may improve whiskey crossword clue.Gendered sign on a clubhouse crossword clue.12 inches for many a ruler crossword clue.Dance banned by Pope Pius X crossword clue.Risked a ticket on the freeway crossword clue.Daily Celebrity Crossword JAnswers Latest Crossword Clues.
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