November 10, 2015, marked the day that the US congress recognizes the Asteroid Resource Property Right. The US congress has recognized H.R. 2262, which approves of the right that U.S. citizen could own asteroid resources that they obtained and to encourages the active exploration and recovery of resources from asteroid. Somewhat equivalent to the Homestead act of 1862, which was to allow the exploration to find gold and timber, H.R. 2262 allows people to use asteroids as a new growth to the economy.
Asteroids that hit earth generally contains rare minerals and common composition. Most of the asteroids that hit the Earth composes of 3 types. C-Type, S-Type, and M-Type.
C-Type are carbonaceous and very common, with a small trace of metal, they often tend to contain water which is then used in rocket fuel. Normally a darker color, they tend to blend into our Earth, making it a good estimation that there are several around.
S-Type are stony asteroids, primarily composed of magnesium - silicate, and less common than C-types. S-types are bright in color, making them easier to identify and their silicate component can be used in space building and radiation coverings.
M-Types/X-Types are metal asteroids, and are fairly uncommon, but their composed of primarily metals, containing a large quantity of nickel and iron.
Sources : http://www.planetaryresources.com/asteroids/composition/
http://www.planetaryresources.com/2015/11/planetary-resources-applauds-u-s-congress-in-recognizing-asteroid-resource-property-rights/
3 points. interesting. It doesn't seem like any of the elements you mentioned are particularly rare here on earth. I wonder what rare elements people are interested in.
ReplyDelete