Three Summer Reads for the Aspiring Asteroid Miner

As things ramp up at Planetary Resources for the summer, I find it’s even more important for me to find time to dive into a great book. The countdown for the ‘Arkyd 6’ launch is a reminder of how fast asteroid mining has moved from science fiction to reality. The books that I have dived into explore all parts of this nascent industry: the past, the present, and the future.
For the aspiring asteroid miner (or for those just interested in learning more), the following books are a must-read. The use of resources in space signals the onset of a new era for humanity. Expansion of our economic sphere of influence into the Solar System will not just disrupt space exploration–every industry on Earth will be involved. A decade from now, you might even be enjoying a summer read gazing at Earth’s shores from far above.
The Past: Rendezvous with Rama, by Arthur C. Clarke
Published in 1990, Rendezvous with Rama is a science-fiction classic and one of Clarke’s best works. At first, a huge object known as Rama is thought to be an asteroid hurtling through the Solar System, but a probe quickly alerts humanity it is not a natural object. The concept of an asteroid being transformed into an interstellar craft is often referenced; however, Clarke brings it to life, raising just as many questions as he answers. As Rama’s secrets are explored by a small group of astronauts, we get a peek inside Clarke’s vision for robotics, AI, propulsion and more. It is fascinating to see some of his vision being realized today, while other concepts still push us to continuously improve ourselves and our technology.
The Present: Seveneves, by Neal Stephenson
Following humanity’s reaction to a potential extinction event, Seveneves weaves together a fantastic story based on hard science, strong characters, and our species’ propensity to survive. Stephenson’s careful attention to detail lets him explore the ins and outs of asteroid mining (as well as several other modern day technologies) across a broad number of applications. Specifically, the level of research and design of Stephenson’s asteroid mining robots inspires new thinking about what mining might look like in space and how we can re-purpose those resources. A few of Planetary Resources’ engineers were asked to consult on the asteroid mining sections–you might find some similarities between the book and the real world! Rumor has it this book is on its way to becoming a movie, so be on the lookout for the next summer blockbuster a la The Martian.
The Future: Leviathan Wakes, James S. A. Corey
Recently adapted for TV through the SciFi Channel’s The Expanse, Leviathan Wakes is the first book in what is often referred to as ‘Game of Thrones in Space.’ In Corey’s future, humanity has already colonized the Solar System, with Earth, Mars, and the Asteroid Belt as the center of influence. The book explores the political, economic, and cultural impact that such colonization might hold for humanity, with a particular focus on resource scarcity. Water and oxygen are constant concerns for those living in the outer planets. A well-developed space mining industry provides these and other critical resources for humanity’s various outposts. By setting aside many of the technical specifics, Leviathan Wakes offers a unique perspective into the socio-economic issues that could come into play in the future. The entire series is worth a read (or a watch)!
