The Rosetta Spacecraft, has dispatched its lander Philae, in the process becoming the first man made object to land on a comet. This landing will come to revolutionize space exploration, we now know humanity can land on an object as fast moving and hostile as a comet. It stands to reason that other celestial bodies similar to comets can be landed on, such as asteroids.
Humans have never landed a spacecraft on an asteroid, which like a comet (though there are some differences) is at its most basic definition is a large rock hurtling through the darkness of space. Unlike a comet, an asteroid is not covered in ice as a result it doesn’t grow a majestic tail that comets are so famous for as it approaches the sun. I believe though, following the success of Rosetta’s and Philae’s landing, we will naturally attempt to land on an asteroid. Landing on an asteroid, while amazing in its own right could truly transform human space exploration.
Landing on a comet paves the way for the theoretical enterprise that is Asteroid mining. Asteroids are known to have large amounts of rare earth metals, anyone whom could harvest the untapped wealth of an asteroid would reap unseen amounts of riches. Humans have not yet landed on an asteroid nor attempted to mine; fortunately Rosetta and Philae has shown that such a venture could succeed.
The work of the European Space Agency (ESA), whom is responsible for the creation of Rosetta and Philae, is truly revolutionary. The ESA has completed a herculean task, which many people in recent years would have deemed impossible. I believe that Rosetta’s and Philae’s mission may very well pave the way for asteroid mining and the development of further space technologies.
The Rosetta Spacecraft, has dispatched its lander Philae, in the process becoming the first man made object to land on a comet. This landing will come to revolutionize space exploration, we now know humanity can land on an object as fast moving and hostile as a comet. It stands to reason that other celestial bodies similar to comets can be landed on, such as asteroids.
Humans have never landed a spacecraft on an asteroid, which like a comet (though there are some differences) is at its most basic definition is a large rock hurtling through the darkness of space. Unlike a comet, an asteroid is not covered in ice as a result it doesn’t grow a majestic tail that comets are so famous for as it approaches the sun. I believe though, following the success of Rosetta’s and Philae’s landing, we will naturally attempt to land on an asteroid. Landing on an asteroid, while amazing in its own right could truly transform human space exploration.
Demos Rhino 