Space resources, something to think about
Hatch mining engineer Michael Neale and president of the South African Space Resources Association (SASRA) says that, in the field of space resources and mining, earth cannot fund and supply a human presence across the solar system, so it is vital to develop engineering capabilities for a sustainable human presence in space.
“This gives South Africa an exciting opportunity to expand and develop currently applied technologies and research and development to support future space programmes, while also fulfilling the South African National Space Agency’s objectives of scientific advancement and human capital development. This is where Hatch’s, as well as South Africa’s expertise in mining and engineering could contribute significantly to the space resources industry,” he explains.
There are numerous reasons for developing space resources, including; human survivalwhich, as long as we are bound to a single planet, the fate of the human race depends on that of our vulnerable planet; scientific opportunities,in situ resource utilisation (ISRU) would go hand-in-hand with scientific advances and once resources in space can be exploited, advanced research bases could be built, for example, telescopes on the far side of the moon could be constructed from lunar material.
“ISRU would also benefit the planet in terms of job opportunities, advances in technology, electricity supply from space-based solar panels, the supply of high-value materials and, in the long term, relief of the strain on earth’s industries and environments.”
Neale was sponsored by Hatch earlier this year to attend and host a presentation on the topic of space resources at the yearly Space Resources Roundtable and Planetary and Terrestrial Mining Sciences Symposium (SRR/PTMSS) held in Canada. In order to spread awareness on the subject, he also presented on the topic to interested parties and employees at both South African branches of Hatch, in Woodmead and Centurion.
Following these presentations, the Hatch Space Resources Community of Practice (CoP) was established, which is an online Hatch community where employees are able to source information and explore the topic of space resources. “The conference allowed me to bring back a few ideas for Hatch’s involvement in the exploration of the possibility of space resources, and how it can apply its current knowledge in the mining and engineering fields to space mining. The CoP can serve as an instrument to source the engineering skills required for space resources endeavours,” explains Neale.
SASRA was founded by Neale at the beginning of this year, and already consists of 20 members. The objectives of the association is to spread awareness about the possibilities of space resource mining, to encourage South Africa to make technical contributions and to foster an interest in education through advocating space resources.
Neale says that most people think mining in space is unfeasible or impractical, or that it is not likely to happen in their lifetime. However, if taken into consideration the short time in which people landed, walked and drove on the moon after the initial announcement of the Apollo-series of lunar missions, and the exciting recent developments in space technology and exploration, then space mining and exploration of our solar system can happen in our lifetime.
“I have realised that alone I cannot accomplish much when it comes to space resources and mining, which is why I created SASRA and the Hatch Space Resources CoP. Space Resources is an exciting topic, and I hope to get the involvement of as many people as possible through these two platforms,” he says.
Ends
Notes to the Editor
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About Hatch
Hatch is an employee-owned, multidisciplinary professional services firm that delivers a comprehensive array of technical and strategic services, including Consulting, Information Technology, Engineering, Process Development, and Project and Construction Management to the Mining, Metallurgical, Energy, and Infrastructure sectors. Hatch has served clients for over 80 years and has project experience in more than 150 countries around the world. With 10,000 people in over 65 offices, the firm has more than $35 billion in projects currently under management.
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