The 2020 National Space Policy of the United States of America recognizes the extraction and use of space resources as critical for sustainable exploration, scientific discovery, and commercial operations.1 How then should the U.S. move forward toward accessing these critical resources?
Asteroid-based resources would provide the United States with economic and national security advantages. Near-Earth asteroids contain essential materials, including water, iron, nickel, platinum-group metals, as well as other rare earth metals and minerals. Volatile elements like water, hydrogen, and oxygen are useful for rocket propellants for civil, commercial, and national security purposes. Rare earths, necessary for producing many electronic and defense technologies, are extensively present in near-Earth asteroids. Expanding America’s ability to access critical resources independently increases American wealth and decreases U.S. reliance on foreign sources, primarily China.