Until now, harvesting natural resources from asteroids and other planetary bodies has been relegated to the future world of science fiction. The Colorado School of Mines believes the future is now and is offering degrees and certificates in the mining of extraterrestrial bodies.
Dr. Angel Abbud-Madrid, director of the Center for Space Resources and Research Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines, told Digital Trends, "Space Resources is an area that includes identifying the resources there are in space, and working out how to collect, extract and utilize them."
It is the first program of its kind in the world and students can earn a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Masters of Science (without a thesis) and PhD degree.
Students will take a multi-disciplinary approach and study not only the methods for extracting and processing resources, but other technical, legal, ethical, and economic factors that come into play when mining bodies outside the Earth.
Colorado School of Mines has always prided itself on being a leader in studying and teaching mining. Now it's only fitting that it is taking the lead in the 21st century.
Asteroid Mining Degrees
The Colorado School of Mines Teaches ExtraTerrestrial Mining
Trend Themes
1. Extraterrestrial Mining Education - Opportunity for educational institutions to offer programs focused on teaching students the skills necessary for mining resources from outer space.
2. Space Resources Exploration - Growing interest in identifying and utilizing the resources available in space, leading to advancements in technology and techniques for prospecting and extracting extraterrestrial resources.
3. Interdisciplinary Approach to Space Mining - Recognition of the need for a multidisciplinary approach in studying space mining, integrating technical, legal, ethical, and economic considerations to ensure responsible resource extraction.
Industry Implications
1. Education - Universities and colleges can develop specialized programs to educate students about the field of extraterrestrial mining and offer degrees and certifications in space resources.
2. Space Exploration and Technology - Companies involved in space exploration and technology can focus on developing advanced technologies and techniques for identifying, extracting, and processing resources from celestial bodies.
3. Mining and Resources - Mining companies could explore opportunities to expand their operations into outer space, leveraging their expertise in resource extraction to take advantage of extraterrestrial mining prospects.