Scientists Pinpoint Asteroids That Could Fuel Future Space Missions

Scientists have taken a step forward in assessing the potential of small asteroids as future space resources. A new study, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, analysed meteorites to uncover the chemical makeup of these celestial bodies. The findings could help identify which asteroids hold the most promise for mining and exploration.

Researchers from the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC) in Spain focused on carbonaceous chondrites—rare meteorites that make up just 5% of recorded falls. These fragile rocks, often found in deserts, contain clues about the early solar system and their parent asteroids. By examining the six most common groups, the team aimed to pinpoint which types could provide valuable metals, water, or other materials.

The study highlights two key targets for future missions. Water-rich carbonaceous asteroids, altered by liquid in their past, could serve as a source of water—either for fuel or life support in deep-space exploration. Meanwhile, a rarer type of undifferentiated asteroid, marked by bands of olivine and spinel, may hold untapped mineral wealth. However, mining these remains a distant prospect due to current technological limits. Extracting water appears the more feasible near-term goal. The research suggests that selecting asteroids with high concentrations of water-bearing minerals would make missions more efficient. This approach aligns with broader plans to use in-situ resources, cutting reliance on Earth for long-duration trips to the Moon or Mars. The team also stressed the need for new sample-return missions. Verifying the chemical signatures of meteorites against their parent asteroids would refine target selection. Such efforts could accelerate the development of mining technologies and mission planning.

The study provides a clearer picture of which asteroids could become vital supply depots for space exploration. By matching meteorite data with potential mining targets, scientists have narrowed down the most promising candidates. This work lays the groundwork for future missions aiming to harvest water, metals, and other materials beyond Earth.