Mining Asteroids and NEOs

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Mining Asteroids and
Other Near-Earth Objects

This page links to interdisciplinary learning modules
created by geologists, chemists, physicists, and mathematicians.
The modules will help students and teachers
learn more about resources in our solar system
through application of all these disciplines.

(More images at NASA's Mars Image Gallery.)

Asteroids: What are they? Where are they? How many are there?

What types of resources are potentially available on asteroids and other small bodies in the solar system?

     ^{What
are potential uses for these materials?}

     ^{Why
can't we just get these resources from the Earth?}

     ^{If we
were mining on asteroids and other small bodies, what other resources are necessary,


just to support that activity?}

If we put people on MARS, how will they survive?

What resources would be necessary to allow people to visit or live on Mars?
^{Is
there water on Mars?} ^{What
else would be needed?}

What resources do we seek from NEO's?

   How do asteroid compositions compare to the Earth and the moon?
           > based on the chemical compositions listed on the above link,
              what minerals do you think are abundant on asteroids?

   What potential resources might be on Mars?
           > check out the most recent images and data from the Mars rovers
           > why is the map below of special interest to Mars scientists?

Instructors: Are you looking for materials and activities to support your courses
in Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics?
Check the Modules page, and Links for Educators.