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Space Mining

We take your questions about life, Earth and the universe to researchers hunting for answers at the frontiers of knowledge.

Mining asteroids, moons or even other planets has remained firmly within the realm of science fiction. But as certain elements become increasingly scarce on Earth, private companies and even nation states are looking to make extra-terrestrial mining a reality. Presenter Marnie Chesterton heads to an Earth-based mine in Scotland to see just how tricky space mining could be, and what possibilities it holds. On the way she discovers what laws govern this new far frontier, and hears from a space prospector who already has designs on key sites for exploration. Could our solar system's asteroids really become self-fuelling gas stations for spaceships?

Do you have a question we can turn into a programme? Email us at crowdscience@bbc.co.uk

Presenter: Marnie Chesterton
Producer: Jen Whyntie

(Image: Double the Rubble Artist Concept. Credit: NASA)

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27 minutes

Last on

Mon 17 Apr 2017 13:32GMT

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Broadcasts

  • Fri 14 Apr 2017 19:32GMT
  • Sat 15 Apr 2017 22:32GMT
  • Sat 15 Apr 2017 23:32GMT
  • Mon 17 Apr 2017 02:32GMT
  • Mon 17 Apr 2017 04:32GMT
  • Mon 17 Apr 2017 05:32GMT
  • Mon 17 Apr 2017 06:32GMT
  • Mon 17 Apr 2017 13:32GMT

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