A new study has highlighted potential targets for asteroid mining, revealing promising opportunities for resource extraction in space. Researchers from Spain’s Institute of Space Sciences have dedicated over a decade to analyzing samples from carbon-rich asteroids, which are the most prevalent type of space rock in the solar system. Their findings, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, suggest that certain asteroids could be ideal candidates for future mining missions.
The concept of asteroid mining has long been perceived as a science fiction dream, yet advancements in space exploration technology are making it increasingly feasible. As noted by Pau Grèbol Tomás, a graduate student at the Institute and co-author of the study, “It sounds like science fiction, but it also seemed like science fiction when the first sample return missions were being planned thirty years ago.”
Exploring the Asteroid Frontier
Asteroid mining remains largely unexplored territory. NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission has demonstrated the feasibility of extracting materials from asteroids and returning them to Earth. Nevertheless, moving towards large-scale mining will require significant advancements in propulsion systems, in-orbit refining capabilities, and reentry technologies—many of which are still in development.
Several startups are actively pursuing technologies to make asteroid mining a reality. For instance, California-based AstroForge launched its inaugural mission in April 2023 to test its ability to refine asteroid materials in orbit. Unfortunately, the company lost contact with its spacecraft, but this setback has not deterred ongoing efforts in the sector. The viability of these ventures largely hinges on the potential economic returns from mining asteroids.
Assessing Viability of Asteroid Resources
Most asteroids have limited concentrations of precious elements, prompting researchers to evaluate the viability of extraction from these celestial bodies. Tomás explained, “Most asteroids have relatively small abundances of precious elements, and therefore the objective of our study has been to understand to what extent their extraction would be viable.”
The research team characterized 28 meteorite samples and conducted detailed chemical analyses using mass spectrometry. This work allowed them to identify the chemical composition of six common types of carbonaceous chondrites—meteorites that contain carbon, water, and organic compounds. Lead author Josep M. Trigo-Rodríguez, an astrophysicist at the Institute, emphasized the scientific significance of these meteorites: “The scientific interest in each of these meteorites is that they sample small, undifferentiated asteroids, and provide valuable information on the chemical composition and evolutionary history of the bodies from which they originate.”
Their analysis revealed that a specific type of asteroid, rich in olivine and spinel minerals, could serve as prime targets for future mining missions. These minerals are associated with the presence of valuable resources such as iron, nickel, gold, platinum, and rare earth elements.
The findings from this research not only pave the way for future missions but also open up discussions regarding the economic implications of asteroid mining. As technology continues to advance, the dream of extracting resources from asteroids may soon become a reality, transforming our understanding of resource availability beyond Earth.
