In the 70's, we were all afraid of missing raw materials sometime in the future.
Then we learned how to save, diversify, look for other ways, other energy sources.
There is very little chance to find mineral ores on the Moon, but just rocks with a mixture of all kinds of molecules. This means it's very difficult to collect anything in particular. I can't see how mineral ores could form in asteroids if they can't on the Moon.
And asteroids are covered with dust, dust at very low G...The slightest touch and up it goes, into every little corner of the device that's supposed to mine it.
Besides, there is the possibility of nanotechnology and even if it's too early, there is one more important "raw material" source that counts more than anything else: the human mind.
Mining for local purposes, perhaps...but to make a business out of it and attract money, I doubt it.
Raoul
Space/Science » in reply to Asteroid resources
Re: Asteroid resources
