Asteroids may play a bigger role in Mars exploration than just passing by overhead, according to ScienceDaily. A new study from researchers at EPFL in Switzerland examines whether metals mined from asteroids could help supply a future colony on Mars.
The idea is driven by a practical problem: a Mars settlement would need large amounts of metal for habitats, machinery, tools, and replacement parts. Sending all of that from Earth would be slow and extremely expensive, especially for a long-term mission.
To test whether asteroid mining could help, the researchers used computer models to study thousands of possible supply chain combinations. Their calculations considered travel energy, how much material could be collected, and the fuel needed to complete the trip.
The study found that some M-type asteroids, which are rich in iron, nickel, and other metals, could be reached with existing spacecraft technology. It also notes that carbonaceous asteroids containing water ice and carbon could potentially provide rocket propellant for the return journey.
While the research does not suggest asteroid mining is ready to begin, it does indicate that a delivery system from asteroids to Mars may be possible if the right targets are chosen, according to ScienceDaily.
