Asteroids, including those in the asteroid belt, have been suggested as possible sites of space colonization.[1] Motives include the survival of humanity, and the specific economic opportunity for asteroid mining. Obstacles include transportation distance, temperature, radiation, lack of gravity, and psychological issues.
Most asteroids have minerals that could be mined. Because these bodies do not have substantial gravity wells, only a low delta-V is needed to haul materials to a construction site.[2][3] There is estimated to be enough material in the main asteroid belt alone to build enough space habitats to equal the habitable surface area of 3,000 Earths.[4]
- ^ Allison, Peter Ray (June 13, 2018). "How we could survive on an asteroid". BBC. Retrieved November 8, 2019.
- ^ Pournelle, Dr. Jerrold E. (1980). A Step Farther Out. W.H. Allen. ISBN 978-0491029414.
- ^ Space Resources Materials (PDF) (Report). NASA. 1992. p. 51. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
- ^ "Limits to Growth", Chapter 7, Space Settlements: A Design Study. NASA, 1975.