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metal could be more than $ 100 quadrillion . Alternatively , capturing and recycling space junk found in low-earth orbit , such as discarded rocket motors and end-oflife satellites , could provide smaller but far more certain returns .
Q . How can a mining operation on , say , the moon , be commercially viable , and how would it be operated ? A . The approach that is presently nearest commercial viability is one that targets lunar water , especially as a means of creating propellant for return trips to Earth or to refuel spacecraft bound for points distant . Such an operation would likely be based near the rim of one of the Moon ’ s polar craters where ice is relatively abundant but sunlight for solar power is still accessible .
Q . What are the main challenges facing any mining operation on the moon , or in space ? And how can they be addressed ? A . The main technical challenges lie in dealing with the inhospitable environment for long durations . Equipment and workers must operate in a low-gravity , high-radiation vacuum subject to temperature swings of more than 500 ° F . On the moon , the low gravity and fine , dusty soil complicate locomotion , and the microgravity environment of most asteroids presents even greater challenges . For operations beyond the moon , distance becomes a rapidly growing challenge , as control and communications signals can take several minutes to travel from Earthbased command centres to spacecraft in the main asteroid belt . Addressing the technical challenges is a matter of producing ruggedised equipment , robust contingency planning , and multiple operational and safety redundancies . miningglobal . com 71