Planetary Resources vs Deep Space Industries
The growing interest in space exploration has led to the rise of Planetary Resources and Deep Space Industries. Both companies aim to mine resources from asteroids and other celestial bodies, but they have different approaches to achieving this goal. In this blog post, we will provide an unbiased comparison between the two companies to help you understand their similarities, differences, and potential.
History and Background
Planetary Resources was founded in 2009 by Peter Diamandis and Eric Anderson. The company gained worldwide attention in 2012 when it launched two Arkyd spacecraft to test its technology for prospecting asteroids. Planetary Resources plans to use 3D printing technology to create spacecraft components from materials on asteroids, reducing the cost of space exploration.
Deep Space Industries was founded in 2013 with the objective of developing advanced technologies for asteroid mining. The company plans to use its proprietary methods to extract materials such as water, metals, and minerals from asteroids.
Technology and Methods
Planetary Resources plans to use multiple cubesats, or very small satellites, to prospect asteroids. These cubesats have compact instruments that can analyze the composition of the asteroid and determine its suitability for mining. The company also plans to use 3D printers to create mining equipment from asteroid materials.
Deep Space Industries plans to use a small fleet of spacecraft to approach asteroids and mine them. The company's technology includes advanced thrusters, sensors, and robotic arms to perform mining operations on asteroids. Additionally, Deep Space Industries plans to use solar power to fuel its exploration and mining efforts.
Financial and Operational Status
In 2018, Planetary Resources was acquired by ConsenSys, a blockchain technology company. The acquisition helped Planetary Resources secure additional funding and resources to continue its research and development efforts.
Deep Space Industries, on the other hand, has faced financial difficulties in recent years. In 2019, the company was acquired by Bradford Space, a European space technology company. The acquisition provided financial stability and resources to help Deep Space Industries continue its operations.
Potential and Future Outlook
Both Planetary Resources and Deep Space Industries have the potential to transform the space industry and contribute to the growth of the global economy. The mining of resources from asteroids and other celestial bodies could provide important raw materials for industries such as construction, electronics, and manufacturing.
However, both companies face significant challenges and uncertainties. The high cost of space exploration and the technical difficulties of asteroid mining are major obstacles that must be overcome. Additionally, there are regulatory, legal, and environmental concerns associated with asteroid mining activities.
Conclusion
Planetary Resources and Deep Space Industries are two companies that are at the forefront of asteroid mining and space exploration. While they have different approaches and methods, both companies share the same goal of harnessing space resources for the benefit of humanity. As the space industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these two companies and others in the industry develop and expand their capabilities.
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