Exploring The Role of Space Mining to Save The Earth from Environmental Degradation

Abstract

Mankind has always ventured for the upper skies i.e beyond the confines of the atmosphere exploring and mining the vast expanse of the cosmos, initially with the pioneering efforts of space agencies like NASA and Roscosmos and subsequently with the emergence of private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin. It is worthwhile to mention that the allure of space has primarily been one of discovery and scientific exploration and more recently with the advent of technology and the emergence of new frontier i.e The mining of the resources in outer space though would seem like a science fiction to the naked eyes, but is rapidly becoming a reality moreso with the introduction of the Artemis Accords by NASA and the participation of both governmental and private entities. Thus, the concept of mining resources in Space has taken a giant leap forward. Even the scientists claim, it possesses immense potential to reshape not only our understanding of the universe but can also be the very foundation of our economy and resource management as a travel to and fro from the Earth to the Moon and back to near-Earth asteroids, celestial bodies are bulging with valuable resources that could revolutionize our standard of living and help sustain our growing civilization. However the researcher claims that this giant leap into the cosmos raises questions of doubt in abstract about legality, ethics, sustainability and the future of space governance at the cost of environmental pollution and degradation. Scientists in the recent times claim that Resource Mining on Space will prove highly beneficial for Earth and its habitats owing to presence of metallic minerals in meteorites and other space rocks. The researcher embarks on a journey to unravel the wonderful opportunities and mysteries of resource mining in the Outer-Space- a journey that scientists claim to benefit mankind in the near future but the research paper also alongside explores the technical snags, faulty governance and legal frameworks which might severely hinder the execution of the same.