Ryan Sauer 12/3/15 Aero
asteroid mining
Planetary Resources announced an ambitious plan to prospect and eventually mine near Earth asteroids in 2012. Understanding the legality of asteroid mining starts with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. Some might argue that the treaty bans all space property rights. The United States government has prosecuted anyone thought to have improperly obtained any such samples. A few days ago President Obama signed a bill into law that gives companies the rights to the natural resources that they mine from outer space. The law is controversial because it gives private US companies free rein in space, which goes against the policy of international cooperation that has been in place since space exploration became a thing. Space law says you cant own things in space but the bill Obama signed allows resources from the Moon, Mars, and asteroids to be extracted, used and sold for commercial exploration and utilization.
pros1. Iron is a rare metal on Earth but in abundance in space. Asteroid Mining will keep materials for batteries coming, which will keep our cities lit and communities safer.
2. Cell phones depend on rare metals as well. 3. Mining in space could open up a new job market. The more successful it becomes, the more people that will be needed to support it. 4. Being able to locate water in space will enable astronauts to take longer trips into space. 5. Asteroid mining can bring a lot of money in, an asteroid 30 meters wide, coud contain platinum worth 25-50 billion dollars. |
cons1. The technology is not made yet and there is a big risk of loosing money
2. It could disrupt an opportunity to complete a careful study of a new environment 3. Peoples lives are put in danger |
conclusion
1. Describe space law cases that you foresee in the future.
I see more laws about territory in space in the future once space travel becomes more common and easier to do once technology increases.
2. Explain how the exploitation of space could be affected by the absence of space law?
It would be chaos in space if there were no laws and countries could do whatever they want, potentially harming the environment in space.
I see more laws about territory in space in the future once space travel becomes more common and easier to do once technology increases.
2. Explain how the exploitation of space could be affected by the absence of space law?
It would be chaos in space if there were no laws and countries could do whatever they want, potentially harming the environment in space.
Resources
http://www.planetaryresources.com/#home-team
http://www.planetaryresources.com/#home-team