NASA Approves Two Space Projects for Mining in Outer Space

Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. specialize / ˈspɛʃ əˌlaɪz / (v) – to study or do business in one particular field
    Example:

    Our tech company specializes in making smartphones apps.


  2. deploy / dɪˈplɔɪ / (v) – to move people or things to a position where they can be used as needed
    Example:

    The researcher will deploy a robot into the cave.


  3. debris / dəˈbri / (n) – small pieces of something that has been broken or destroyed
    Example:

    There was a lot of debris after the building was demolished.


  4. inflatable / ɪnˈfleɪ tə bəl / (adj) – can be filled with air or gas to become bigger
    Example:

    The ship is equipped with inflatable boats that can be used in an emergency.


  5. stepping stone / stɛp ɪŋ stoʊn / (n) – an event or situation that lets someone get closer to accomplishing a goal
    Example:

    Using robots is a stepping stone to getting human workers out of dangerous work environments.


Article

Read the text below.

NASA has approved two projects that will make mining resources from asteroids and the moon possible.


The first project, Skylight, was proposed by Carnegie Mellon / kɑrˈneɪ gi ˈmɛl ən / University. The project aims to survey moon craters and find out whether they are good for mining. The second project, called Mini Bee prototype, was proposed by TransAstra Corporation, a company specializing in space technology. Its objective is to develop technology that will be used in mining resources such as water and minerals from asteroids.


Skylight is a small lunar rover that can take high-resolution images of craters and create digital 3D models for them. Multiple rovers will be deployed to gather data on the moon. The information gathered will help scientists on Earth decide if the craters are safe for exploration. The rovers may also be used to search the moon for possible water sources.


On the other hand, the Mini Bee prototype will be used to break down the surface of asteroids. The robots will use optical mining technology, which involves focusing sunlight on the asteroids to disintegrate them. The debris created would be collected into an inflatable bag and converted into fuel.


With the plan to return to the moon by 2024, NASA is optimistic that Skylight and Mini Bee can lessen the water, fuel, and other resources that astronauts need to bring on their trips to the moon. NASA also hopes that the projects can help them establish the Lunar Orbital Platform – Gateway, a space station orbiting the moon, which is going to be a stepping stone for future missions to Mars.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• What do you think are the challenges in mining resources from asteroids and the moon? Discuss.
• Do you think the benefits of mining resources from asteroids and the moon outweigh these challenges? Explain.

Discussion B

• Do you think space exploration is worthwhile? Discuss.
• Given the chance, would you like to explore outer space? Why or why not?