American test launch launches of meteorite resources

Planetary Resources (USA) has launched a spacecraft to study and test other mining minerals from meteorites near Earth.

Launching ships exploiting the resources of meteorites near the Earth

According to Science Alert, America's Planetary Resources (PR) asteroid company has launched a prototype Arkyd 3 Reflight (A3R) spacecraft from the International Space Station (ISS) to orbit on July 16. It is actually a small satellite whose task is to test and explore the exploitation of resource-rich asteroids near the Earth in the near future.

Simulation of meteorite mining spacecraft in the future.(Photo: Printf.eu)

A3R will operate for 90 days, to test the company's electronic control system and system. Thereby draw lessons to adjust technology, help future spacecraft really capable of conducting space exploration.

"Our philosophy is to test regularly, and if possible, direct testing in space. A3R is the most cost-effective, sophisticated test ship ever created. We are innovating on every angles, from design to operation, "said Chris Lewicki, president of PR.

The financial investor for the company is Larry Page and Eric Schmidt of Google, and Richard Branson, founder and chairman of the Virgin Group.

"Successful deployment of A3R is an important milestone for the company. We are developing asteroids exploration and mining technologies. Through that, create an alien economy, do it. change the way we live on Earth, "said Peter H. Diamandis, co-founder of PR.

After A3R completes its mission later this year, Planetary Resources will launch another satellite, Arkyd-6 , which is twice the size of its predecessor. It is expected that the new satellite will have an infrared imaging system to detect the presence of hydrated water and minerals in asteroids flying near Earth.

"Exploiting asteroids sounds like a science fiction topic, but our company is developing this technology. Even many governments around the world have created policies and legal frameworks to support mining on asteroids in the next few years, "Chris Lewicki told ABC News.