Outer space has always fascinated not only ordinary people, but especially scientists and government leaders around the world. In particular, regarding the issue of space resources. Just look at the region of the asteroid belt, where their number can be enormous. This perspective explains the frequent announcements of mineral mining projects on asteroids, the Moon or Mars. Chinese scientists are the latest to express their vision of space expansion
Solar system. Photo: freepik.com
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), together with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has developed an ambitious plan that will reach even the far corners of the solar system. This plan covers the extraction and processing of space resources, as well as the creation of large-scale space infrastructure until 2100. There are mineral extraction and processing stations, transport routes with large distribution hubs, service complexes and much more:
Mining stations. These facilities will be responsible for extracting space resources such as water ice, metals and other valuable materials that can be found on the surface of asteroids, the Moon, or other planets. Recycling stations. After extraction, resources will need to be processed. These stations will convert raw materials into useful materials or fuel for spacecraft. Transport routes. They will serve to move between various objects of the solar system. Distribution nodes. These hubs will act as major transport hubs where cargo can be distributed and redirected to different directions. Service packages. Such facilities will provide ship maintenance, repairs, replenishment of fuel, and provide rest and recovery for crews.
The project was called “Tian Gong Kai Wu”, paying tribute to the historical encyclopedia of Song Yinxing. The initial stages of the program involve using the Moon as a jumping off point to other objects in the solar system.
Regarding the stages:
In the first of four proposed stages, they plan to build specialized stations for extracting water ice on the surface of the Moon. The water thus obtained can be converted into hydrogen and oxygen, which will be used as rocket fuel. This could make the Moon an important logistics hub for space travel to asteroids, Mars or the moons of Jupiter. As for transport hubs, scientists recommend placing them at Lagrange points located between the Earth and the Moon, as well as between the Sun, Earth and Jupiter.
However, these are only recommendations from scientists that reflect the general course of China’s space program. Despite the fact that the country is actively involved in space research, such as creating its own space station and exploring the Moon.
The presented document does not cover financial and technical details, nor does it address the legal aspects of space resource extraction.
Lagrange points are unique locations in space where the gravitational forces of two cosmic bodies are balanced, allowing the satellites to remain in one place, without deflecting towards either body.
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Source: Space News
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2023-09-08 18:30:00