Exploring the Solar System: Asteroid Mining

In this activity, learners will imagine the challenges and opportunities of asteroid mining. Learners will draw their own asteroid mining machines, and consider how these devices would extract, process, and return mined materials to Earth. They can also assume roles assigned by the activity's "challenge cards," and imagine what concerns or priorities they might have as a scientist, explorer, lawyer, or engineer. While the technologies necessary for mining materials from asteroids do not yet exist, current missions exploring and studying asteroids may lay the groundwork for future asteroid mining operations. Activity includes a facilitation guide with potential misconceptions, Earth & space science infosheets with NASA connections, table sign, and activity & content training videos. All public-facing materials also available in Spanish.