With the first mission to bring material from the asteroid belt back to Earth underway, the longtime science-fiction staple of commercial asteroid prospecting and mining has put its “now hiring” sign out for tomorrow’s industry professionals, including those with “a solid background in orbital mechanics, asteroid astronomy, chemical engineering and patience,” says Dante Lauretta, of the University of Arizona.
How to Become an Asteroid Prospector
Key Takeaways:
- Asteroid prospecting and mining are moving from science fiction to reality, with missions like OSIRIS-REx demonstrating feasibility for commercial ventures focused on extracting water for rocket fuel.
- Significant technical challenges, particularly operating autonomous robotic spacecraft in asteroids' partial-gravity environments, are being addressed through ongoing research and development.
- The industry is gaining momentum, supported by favorable legislation like the SPACE Act and the active planning of missions by commercial companies, with full-scale operations anticipated within 10-20 years.
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