Japanese to Claim Asteroids

[OldLincoln]

This is my thinking but I suspect it will become fact. Japan has launched 2 or more robots which each landed on an asteroid, chipped a small bit off and returned to earth for mineral analysis. Pretty smart, but whats behind it? It's obviously mining in the future, but I believe by returning a piece they have enough to claim ownership of those particular asteroids. I've read all I can find and it is clear that whoever starts mining an asteroid can legally claim ownership. One guy claimed ownership of an asteroid years ago and lost because you cannot simply state it, but have to physically have a presence on it with proof. The moon is exempt by recent international law, but that law also freed up asteroids for private ownership.

Okay I am a space junky and want American space to get off their collective butts and don't loose all those resources. Maybe Jocko will send this info to one of his DC buddies.

[JohnR]

Maybe that’s one reason the Prez wants to form the U.S. Space Force.

I would think there are plenty of asteroids out there for everyone.

[OldLincoln]

Japan lacks the natural resources and is testing the process. Like everything else they've done they'll go for it and claim everything that has promise. Not every one, but those with the needed resources. Just like we should be doing if Musk could focus instead of bouncing all over the place.

[ltxi]

Not to sound cranky, but....you're now blaming Elon Musk for US not caring inaction on something Space that You consider important? Kinda a stretch, imo.

[JohnR]

Musk calls himself a socialist, which is odd given his capitalist lifestyle. But hypocrisy goes with the territory of being a socialist.

maybe Old Lincoln is wondering why Musk isn’t seeking to mine asteroids.

[ltxi]

I'd suppose it's because Musk doesn't care/find it a productive venture any more than I (professionally Space literate) do.