Space mining may become a reality

Published: May 25, 2020 13:26

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SMM5 March 25: in recent years, governments, space agencies and private companies around the world have been increasing their interest in and investment in outer space, especially the moon.

Carlos Espejel, an engineer from Japanese lunar exploration startup Ispace, said that current exploration equipment is already capable of landing and walking on the moon, as well as exploring the moon's water and oxygen resources.

Based on previous exploration results from many space agencies, such as NASA (NASA), Japan Space Agency (JAXA), European Space Agency (ESA) and ISRO, Ispace has obtained the distribution of certain elements on the lunar surface.

Carlos Espejel also pointed out that the moon is rich in aluminum, calcium, silicon, iron, magnesium, thorium, uranium and other elements, as well as a large amount of potassium, rare earths and phosphorus. So far, man's latest and most exciting discovery on the moon is the presence of water or hydroxides in the lunar poles, mostly in the form of permafrost or ice.

Although space mining is still a concept, some governments are implementing plans to pass legislation to allow miners to compete in space mining. So far, great powers such as the United States, Russia, China and India have been vying for these resources in order to establish a permanent base.

Ispace currently plans two lunar operations. One is in 2021, when the company will place rovers on the lunar equator; another lunar operation is expected to take place at the South Pole in 2023.

In this regard, Ispace has booked the Space X spaceship and paid for it.

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