Technical programme

11. Lunar and Asteroid Mining

It is widely acknowledged that the Moon and the asteroids hold the promise of untapped resources beyond Earth orbit, from mineral riches to potentially enabling resources for exploration, such as hydrogen and oxygen. This session will include discussion of timelines, mission concepts and economic analyses associated with lunar and asteroid mining, including scientific, technological and economic challenges. Synergies with near-term international mission opportunities planned over the next decade will also be discussed. Finally, what role can terrestrial mining organizations play in enabling or accelerating resource utilization, given the challenging and lengthy timescales of space exploration?