Review of Space Industry and Technology for Asteroid Mining

Interest in the new space industry is growing in Korea due to the lifting of the US–Korea missile guidelines and the development of the Nuri launch vehicle. This paper reviews the space industry and the technology for asteroid mining. The definition and classification system of asteroids are explained, and first-generation companies in the asteroid mining industry and start-ups established after 2010 are introduced. The countries of the relevant companies are becoming more diversified, and the business areas are expanding to include not only space telescopes and space launch vehicles but also robotic mining equipment, space manufacturing and mineral processing, and the construction of space gas stations. The trends of exploration, transportation, and the energy and mining technologies necessary for asteroid mining are summarized, and issues related to international laws and economic feasibility are presented. Continuous investment and efforts are required to develop technologies and improve international laws for asteroid mining.