Transforming Tomorrow

How to Mine an Asteroid

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Episode notes

We’re blasting off into space! Find out all you need to know to mine an asteroid – though be warned, it’s not that simple. 

Discover which laws you have to follow beyond Earth’s atmosphere, how we get to asteroids in the first place, and what this might mean for life here and millions of miles away. 

Dr Craig Jones joins Jan and Paul for an astronomical start to the new series. He specialises in asteroid mining and the myriad issues that arise when it comes to considering how it could be done, and what the practice could mean for sustainability. 

The discussion covers potential harm to the ozone layer, how space junk could damage satellites and our oceans, and if all this is a pathway to building a back-up colony should Earth fail. 

And what does William of Orange have to do with asteroid mining rights? 

Discover more about Craig’s work here: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lums/people/craig-jones