Asteroid Mining

(Do note: Certain terms, such as the Oort Cloud, Kuiper and Asteroid Belts etc. are used to symbolize. They will be edited in the future if new names are selected)

Asteroid Mining is an up and coming activity for the nations of Diyar. Nations which have active space programs, such as the Russian Empire, Lettonian Empire and Orvos will be able to initiate attempts to mine asteroids for rare extraterrestrial resources within the next few months or so. Given the technological levels and knowhow required to pursue these projects, asteroid mining will be limited to great powers or economically stable powers. However, what exactly can asteroid mining do for the nations and people of Diyar, and why is it, or should it be desired?

An Introduction
The people of Diyar have many things they take for granted. Smartphones, computers, televisions, machinery, and data storage devices that are astronomically more powerful than anything humanity could build or produce even as recent as the 1960s. The mining industry and our improving knowledge on major substances, minerals and materials has only made these rare resources all the more viable. Depending on the nation and depending on the state's view on corporatism and corporate oversight, mining companies may be capable of completely destroying habitats and environments. These resources can even be used as political bargaining tools to force rival nations to step in line... or it can be the cause of horrendous, violent conflicts which affect lives for generations. Climate change activists protest against these actions every day, destroying the planet or tampering with the natural order of things as Diyarians or Humans do. To many there is no alternative, no way to avoid it. But there is, and that alternative is asteroid mining.

Asteroid mining naturally takes place off-world in the inner or outer solar system, and therefore cannot affect Diyar's environment, climate, or damage ecosystems. Asteroids wildly vary in size, from some that are as big as your house cat, to some that are as big as the nation of Hakha, or some Denolian states. While most are focused on the asteroid belt between Maeae and Eupra, and far far away in the Kuiper Belt[1] between Nalirija and an unknown point in the Oort Cloud[2]. Of course, asteroids, meteorites, meteoroids and all other objects of their class are found elsewhere. However, if not grouped together, they are known as 'Trojans'[3].

New Precious Resources
It is theorized by physicists, astronomers and economists alike that even the smallest asteroids in the solar system could be home to trillions worth of metals such as platinum, silver, iron, gold, nickel and titanium. The nation which can obtain these resources can hypothetically have a stockpile of precious resources for trade, influence, and industry for hundreds if not thousands of years. Even just for selling on the worldwide market, the most miniscule of these resources could be worth quadrillions of dollars, meaning it isn't unlikely that we may see trillionaires and quadrillionaires in the next few years or decades.

But how can it be done?

The current concept behind how to mine asteroids relies on selecting a target, drawing it into Diyar's orbit where it can then be processed, mined, and broken down into usable resources. Unfortunately, going to space is expensive, and these concepts involve humanity solving fundamental issues we just haven't mastered yet. So as of 2022, they remain purely theoretical. However, there are solutions to get around the costs of traditional rocket fuel, by using electric rockets for mining. This isn't unfeasible, some nations with extensive programs such as Lettonia or Russia do operate electric spacecraft. Theoretically, these electrical spacecraft just needs a small amount of fuel to get it into space.

The Process of Mining
Once a spacecraft is in orbit, and a asteroid has been selected, the probe will need to stop it from spinning. Two options include using a laser to shave off some material, or using thrusters to seize it like a lasso at a rodeo. Then the craft will have to wait for the exact right moment to begin moving the asteroid closer to Diyar's orbit. Scientists would plan on using the moon as a bonus to help get the asteroid into stable orbit around Earth. During this time, mining equipment is launched into orbit and prepared. Once in orbit, the miner will drive its equipment into the asteroid, establish a dome and mirrors. The mirrors will use solar light and heat to remove any gases from the asteroid. Then tools will break apart the rock and stone, and centrifuges will split dense and light elements. Then, reusable shuttles would be used to transport the elements back home. Or, another option is if the miner has 3D printers, a simpler transport method can be made on the spot, which can simply be dropped into the ocean for the nations naval vessels to pick up.

Of course, each successful mission makes the next one easier, and soon, asteroid mining would become second nature to us on Diyar.

The Positive Results
The longer asteroid mining is implemented, the more it will become the new big business for Diyarian corporations and nations. Theoretically, one day, we will be able to stop mining on Earth, and use the near infinite resources of space. Destroyed, or endangered ecosystems will begin to recover, certain items will become less dangerous to produce, and our little blue orb will become overall much cleaner.

People of Diyar don't even need to wait, as asteroid mining can begin today.