Here’s How Mars Could Play A Key Role In Asteroid Mining

If an infrastructure that is capable of handling duties such as refueling, maintenance, and even exploration missions can be set up in Martian orbit, it would serve as an ideal path forward for mining asteroids. Such an orbital base would also help reduce the size and mass of spacecraft, which further helps tone down the cost of mining missions.

The team concluded that “Phobos is a convenient site for emplacing massive ore-refining equipment.” Furthermore, Mars’ natural satellite offers a few other benefits such as an inertial platform, gravity, and protection from radiation exposure to a certain extent. For example, it would be easier for machines to exert force on asteroid material when it’s placed on Phobos’ surface instead of trying to do so while floating close to an asteroid. The eccentric shape of Mars’ orbit also offers some much-needed reduction in the mission’s Delta-V requirements.

Once mining operations are established, they would also offer easier and more regular access to the Martian surface for research and exploration. If a base were in place on Phobos, space agencies would have a set landing place and base of operations between Earth and Mars, drastically reducing the cost of each subsequent mission to Mars. It’d be like building a house next to a goldmine instead of driving your vehicle from home every time you want to go spelunking.