Extraction of minerals on celestial bodies as a new scientific direction

Abstract

The paper presents the analysis of the problems encountered in the extraction of minerals. The areas that are affected by the activities of the mining industry are named. The prerequisites for the beginning of global development of the mineral resources in outer space are analyzed. It is concluded that there is a need to develop the resources of celestial bodies. The legal aspects of the development of space bodies’ resources are touched upon. It is noted that the existing laws on space are not perfect or contradictory. The use of different interpretations of the laws on space for obtaining preferences in the assignment of resources of the mineral resource base of outer space is indicated. Various stages of the scientific development of outer space are touched upon. It is noted that the catalyst for space exploration was the military-political confrontation during the cold war. The significant role of the United States and Russia, as the legal successor of the USSR, in the field of scientific research and development of outer space, as well as their importance in the development of space programs of other countries, is emphasized. A new vector in space exploration has been identified, and with it the new goals have been formed. The prerequisites for the beginning of the commercial development of space resources are formulated. It is noted that the study of outer space, as well as the development of its mineral resource base, goes beyond the scope of monodisciplinarity. For the successful implementation of the program of the extraction of mineral raw materials from celestial bodies, it is necessary to develop a number of scientific directions, parallel and consistent with the other ones. At the same time, it is indicated that for a more successful implementation of these scientific programs, it is necessary to combine all scientific directions into one scientific discipline. It is recommended to allocate a new scientific discipline based on the experience and development of geotechnologies.