Asteroid mining can extract platinum-group metals and water ice economically viable for space infrastructure
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 84/100
Multiple recent studies support the feasibility of asteroid mining to extract water and valuable minerals to support sustainable space infrastructure and reduce reliance on Earth.
Evidence for · 5
The smallest space miners: principles of space biomining.
2022 · cited by 21
Discusses space biomining and extraction of water and structural/expensive minerals from asteroids for in-situ resource utilization.
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More for · 4
Mining in space could spur sustainable growth.
2023 · cited by 4
Investigates the economic feasibility and growing viability of space mining from asteroids as launch costs decline.
Critical Electrochemistry Technologies Applicable in Space Exploration.
2025 · cited by 4
Examines electrochemical technologies for metallurgical processing and water resource utilization in space exploration.
Emerging Chemical and Biological Materials Technologies in the Extraplanetary Environment.
2026 · cited by 0
Reviews chemical and manufacturing strategies for in-situ production of essential resources from asteroids and other bodies.
Integrating resource utilization and bioregenerative life support systems for sustainable space exploration.
2026 · cited by 0
Explores abiotic and biotic pathways for extracting water, metals, and other consumables via in-situ resource utilization.