We’re never going to mine the asteroid belt: Fickling
Artist rendition of a mining operation in space. (
Where would science fiction be without space mining?
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Red Dwarf, to Sam Bell in
Moon and
The Expanse’s Naomi Nagata, the grittier end of interstellar drama would be bereft if it weren’t for overalled engineers and their mineral-processing operations.
It’s such an alluring vision that real money has been put toward its realization. Alphabet Inc.’s Larry Page and Eric Schmidt, and Hollywood filmmaker James Cameron (director of the
Alien sequel
Where would science fiction be without space mining?
From Ellen Ripley in
Red Dwarf, to Sam Bell in
Moon and
The Expanse’s Naomi Nagata, the grittier end of interstellar drama would be bereft if it weren’t for overalled engineers and their mineral-processing operations.
It’s such an alluring vision that real money has been put toward its realisation. Alphabet Inc’s Larry Page and Eric Schmidt, and Hollywood filmmaker James Cameron (director of the
Alien sequel
Aliens) all invested in Planetary Resources Inc, which raised venture finance with its mission of mining high-value minerals from asteroids and refining them into metal foams that could be shot back down to Earth. Deep Space Industries Inc, a rival startup, also had bold plans to extract resources from space. Though both companies have now been bought out and their projects put into mothballs, the idea of a space mining industry has refused to die.
They love “helping”, especially when I’m very busy and deadlines are looming.
Matilda, in particular, has enthusiastically adjusted to her new role as a member of the “Friend” team.
She enjoys taking part in team meetings, and even made a guest appearance when I recently interviewed TV presenter Neil Brand.
Thank goodness we were able to edit the video!
Far from being put off his stride, Neil, a huge cat lover, was delighted. Phew!
However, I was less than delighted with her contribution last week . . .
Have you ever seen the TV sci-fi comedy “Red Dwarf“?
Dave Lister awakens after being in suspended animation for millions of years to find his only companions are a hologram and the Cat, a life form which evolved from Lister’s original pregnant cat.