Space Mineral Resources
The benefits will be discussed as a way to show the global impact of space mining. The Workshop concerning the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Space Mineral Resources Study #2 will be a jointly sponsored workshop to address the many issues that have been identified during the multi-year study ongoing at the present time. The goal and concepts of the Study are as follows:
Overall Goal
To provide the appropriate approach for teams in the public and private sectors to progress into space leveraging the extra-terrestrial resources available. The investigation will look across the technological, legal, and programmatic challenges. Emphasis will be upon the Outer Space
Treaty recognition of national authority and the ability to utilize resources in space for public and private activities. A path forward will be laid out that shows the technological challenges and proposes approaches to lower the risk.
General Concepts
ï· Humanity must move beyond low Earth orbit in a timely manner, leveraging the strengths of each nation.
ï· Space Resources is a critical step for Space Activities.
ï· There is near-term need to develop National Authorities for Extra-Terrestrial Resource Utilization and Beneficiation based on the Outer Space Treaty.
ï· The initial step is to identify a Roadmap for Technological Developments to lower the risk within the program.
ï· There has been a significant increase in venture capital firms making investments in the space industry; a record 120 firms in 2017. Last year, 40% of total investment came from venture capital, up from just 12% in 2016.