Is Space Mining Feasible?

Roland Piquepaille writes "There is a large amount of precious minerals on the Moon and Mars. Would it be feasible to bring these valuable materials back on Earth? Space.com says that mining specialists and space engineers, who gathered at the latest Space Resources Roundtable, think the answer is yes. But there are many issues to solve. The first one is to build a permanent base. Then, you have to live on space resources. The article looks at other issues, such as strategic and economic potentials, before examining legal concerns about working conditions and extraterrestrial resource ownership. As the article says about lawyers, it 'turns out you can't leave Earth without them.' This summary contains more details and a rendering of a possible commercial Lunar base."

Comments

fact?

[jest3r]

There is a large amount of precious minerals on the Moon and Mars.

Is there?

Re:Why so much concern for Earth?

[SharpFang]

Well, first off, some 20 minutes vs 3s(from beyond your 3s event horizon so you won't even get a warning) then a very precise "surgical strike" in almost unlimited amounts (usable for half a day) and some more. No risk for radioactive cloud turning back and killing your own citizens, no problems with early detection, good way to shot down all enemy's missiles of potential counter-strike and many more. Plus all the room to use it freely in nearest conflict because it isn't covered by any international conventions yet.