The sample retrieval operation will be a precise maneuver whereby the probe approaches Bennu on a trajectory that matches the asteroid ’ s spin , touches the surface with a sample collector for about five seconds , and uses a jet of nitrogen to flush loose dust and pebbles into traps in the collector . Both the Hayabusa and OSIRIS-REx missions represent major advancements in our knowledge of how to maneuver a vehicle in proximity to an asteroid .
By some calculations , Ryugu and Bennu are in the top five most economically viable asteroids for mining efforts . Ryugu has an estimated value of more than $ 80 billion while Bennu is worth about $ 670 million . However , they would cost about $ 50 billion and $ 485 million to harvest , and those estimates are from Planetary Resources , a company whose existence is predicated on the idea that asteroid mining will be feasible soon . After the Hayabusa and Ryugu missions are concluded , we will have more detailed information about their compositions than ever before , and we will see whether they are as rich in precious metals as speculators hope .
The biggest step towards converting asteroids into a harvestable resource may be the upcoming ‘ Double Asteroid Redirection Test ’ or DART . Scheduled to launch in 2021 , the DART mission will involve the asteroid pair 65803 Didymos . The DART vehicle will launch a tiny observer satellite , then it will accelerate towards one of the 65803 Didymos asteroids while taking pictures , then collide with the asteroid .
Observations from Earth-based telescopes and the microsatellite will monitor the change in the asteroid ’ s trajectory relative to its twin . This could be the first step towards redirecting asteroids that pose a threat to Earth or towards moving an asteroid into a convenient position for mining .
High costs , high risks but high rewards
So , will the world economy soon be flooded by a vast new supply of previously-scarce precious metals ? Probably not . At present , no company is quite ready to risk billions of dollars on a venture that requires technologies which have not been fully developed and techniques that are not proven .
The nearest thing humans have accomplished so far is scraping a few tiny samples off of an asteroid ’ s surface , and even those missions were very risky and challenging . However , asteroid mining might still have a future .
In the next few years , missions like Hayabusa 2 and OSIRIS-REx will be returning to earth with their asteroid material samples . The data from those missions , DART and others will grant us a new understanding of how to maneuver vehicles around asteroids and change the trajectory of the asteroids themselves .
Global demand for technologically-critical metals is still growing . In the meantime , new NEAs are constantly being discovered , and so is our ability to detect valuable metals in those asteroids . If these trends continue , it may only be a matter of time until an asteroid with enough precious metals passes near the Earth and someone decides it ’ s worth the risk to try to catch it . ■
[ Details correct at time of writing ]
Wade Lanning www . matmatch . com
Wade Lanning is a PhD in materials science and engineering , and he prepared this article for Matmatch , a materials search platform that connects worldwide engineers and material suppliers . Matmatch is based in Germany and aims to inspire people to build better products , by changing the way the world discovers and uses materials . With over 26,000 materials , it ’ s never been so easy to find materials and suppliers anywhere , anytime .
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