The 365 Days of Astronomy Cheap Astronomy - Implausible Engineering Episode 4: Asteroids & Time Machines. Again.
Apr 10, 2025
Discover the intriguing world of space mining, where the universe is a treasure trove of resources waiting to be tapped. Navigate the humorous challenges of extracting materials from asteroids and comets. Then, plunge into the complexities of time travel, examining how speed and gravity can warp our perception of time. Explore the ethical dilemmas and theoretical hurdles that come with the idea of bending time. Ultimately, it questions whether we should fix the past or learn from it as we journey into the future.
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Solar System Mining Realities
- The entire solar system contains most elements of the periodic table in atomic or molecular form.
- Mining focus should shift from volatile inner planets to more accessible resources like lunar water and refined ores on the Moon.
Refine Ore Before Transport
- Don't attempt transporting raw ore from asteroids directly to Earth due to inefficiency.
- Instead, refine ore in space, ideally on the Moon, to extract valuable materials before shipping.
Leverage the Moon for Mining
- Use the Moon as a base for refining asteroid materials and further mining.
- The Moon's low gravity helps launch refined materials back to Earth efficiently in controlled re-entries.