Near-earth asteroids recognized unsuitable for development

Scientists of the Harvard-Smithsonian center astrofiziki (CfA) investigated and concluded that only a small part of the near-earth asteroids are suitable to extract the necessary resources.

The results of the study published in the journal of Planetary and Space Science, and their Preprint available on the web site Arxiv.org. For the evaluation of scientific workers, only 10 near-earth asteroids are suitable for research on a commercial basis.

According to reliable information astrophysics CfA Martin Elvis, which leads IEEE Spectrum, reserves the right minerals (based on need more platinum group metals and water) can be estimated at 0,8-8,8 billion dollars. With all this may become commercially viable study solely those of asteroids, mineral resources which make up more than billion dollars. Should also note that for research approach asteroids with a diameter of 100 meters.

It tells BBC News, South American firm Planetary Resources that wants to engage in mining operations in space, already criticized the study of the CfA. For example, according to Eric Anderson, co-founder of the firm, Planetary Resources wants to mine at significantly greater number of asteroids than is considered in the study

sections: Society, World News