An Environmental Impact Assessment Framework for Space Resource Extraction

Abstract

Extraterrestrial bodies contain a number of resources that are likely targets for future resource extraction operations. There is an increasing interest in extracting resources from these bodies, particularly to reduce the amount of material that must be launched from Earth and, in turn, the cost of space missions. While the economic and technical feasibility of space resource extraction is the focus of many studies, this work considers the associated extraterrestrial environmental implications. Resource extraction in space is likely to result in a number of environmental impacts, ranging from the generation of dust and changes to landscapes, through to regolith contamination and waste generation. A framework for extraterrestrial environmental impact assessment (EIA) for resource extraction operations is proposed for space resource projects. This framework will allow for the environmental impacts of potential space resource extraction projects to be identified, so they can be avoided or addressed through mitigation measures. Carrying out EIAs for space resource extraction operations is likely to improve the outcome of these operations by reducing environmental risk, and thus reducing the potential for unexpected clean up and mitigation costs in the future, increasing investor confidence and improving chances of acceptance by the public and other stakeholders. There is considerable uncertainty as to what impacts space resource extraction is likely to have on the environment, therefore the proposed EIA framework is intended to be improved upon continually, through feedback from the outcomes of future resource extraction projects.