Ever since the beginning of the space age, scientists and engineers have considered the role extra-terrestrial resources could have to supporting missions of exploration and science. However, early missions to space and the moon were too brief to benefit from in-situ supplies.

Now with a new drive to return to the Moon, this time to stay, and as we prepare to push on to Mars, space resources will play a critical role. New technologies, new skills, and the support of an innovative private sector have led experts to dust off older ambitions for the exploitation of space resources.

Resources are the main engine of our technological society on Earth, and they will soon fulfil that role as we push out into space.

Resources

For more information on the Space Resources Roundtable, click here

For more information on the Space Resources courses offered by the Colorado School of Mines, click here

Guest

Angel Abbud-Madrid, Director of the Centre for Space Resources, Colorado School of Mines

The post #138 Space Resources: The Next Leap first appeared on Engineering Matters.