Can You Mine An Asteroid?

May 11, 2021

Guest

Andreas Hein

Guest

Ram Jakhu

Guest

Atossa Abrahamian

Journalist Atossa Abrahamian, space engineer Dr. Andreas Hein, and space law professor Dr. Ram Jakhu discuss the future of asteroid mining. Topics include robotic missions, water extraction, legal complexities, space capitalism, and labor rights in outer space.

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Introduction

00:00 • 5min

Unveiling the Potential of Asteroid Mining

05:25 • 12min

Navigating Space Laws: Ownership and Mining Regulations

17:29 • 5min

Prioritizing Collective Interest in Outer Space Treaty

22:19 • 6min

Legal Implications of Asteroid Mining and Discussion on Unions in Space

28:16 • 6min

Labor Rights and Environmental Concerns in Asteroid Mining

33:54 • 15min

Today’s episode is about a future where we (try to) mine asteroids for resources.

Guests:

Atossa Abrahamian, a journalist who’s written about space mining and is working on a new book about “places in the world where the rules don’t (fully) apply.”
Dr. Andreas Hein, a space systems engineer and executive director of the Initiative for Interstellar Studies.
Dr. Ram Jakhu, a professor at the McGill Institute of Air and Space Law and editor of Global Space Governance: An International Study.
Dr. Erika Nesvold, an astrophysicist, co-founder of the JustSpace Alliance, and host of the podcast Making New Worlds.
Dr. Jim Schwartz, a professor of philosophy at Wichita State University who writes about space ethics.

Voice Actors:

Receptionist/Robot: Ashley Kellem
Gabby: Anjali Kunapaneni
Melissa: Chelsey B. Coombs
Mark: Henry Alexander Kelly

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Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outtro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Matt Lubchansky.

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