Space mining, a scenario previously seen only in science fiction novels and movies, is gradually becoming a reality. Not long ago, China’s first space mining robot was born at the China University of Mining and Technology. This multi-functional space mining robot, known as my country’s first “interstellar miner”, was developed by Professor Liu Xinhua’s team. Unlike the currently popular humanoid robots and robot dogs, it mainly adopts a six-legged walking method, with three legs as wheels and three legs as claws. The robot’s feet are equipped with both wheels and anchoring structures, enabling it to traverse the rugged surfaces of asteroids.
Key Technology and How it is Trained
Professor Liu Xinhua from the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at China University of Mining and Technology explained that this is an array-style claw hook design which, under microgravity conditions, offers stronger attachment and grip capabilities. This allows it to secure itself for sampling and move according to the terrain. Team members introduced that after continuous training on a sandbox, the space mining robot can now adjust its structural shape based on the working environment and adapt to the complex surface environments of extraterrestrial bodies through the collaborative work of the six-legged differential system suspension, clutch, etc. To master more exploration skills, the robot needs further training at the National Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Engineering Intelligent Construction and Health Operation at China University of Mining and Technology, where they can accurately simulate the extreme environment on the lunar surface.
Associate Professor Li Ruilin from the same laboratory mentioned that the equipment mainly simulates the in-situ lunar environment – a one-sixth G gravity field and ultra-high vacuum. The moon’s surface can reach up to 130°C during the day and drop to -180°C at night, even reaching -250°C in the polar regions. In addition to achieving long-term, high-precision simulation of the moon’s low-gravity field and other extreme environments, two research projects being conducted in this facility—”Lunar Resource Characteristics and Reservoir Properties In-situ Detection Methods and Equipment” and “Temperature-Controlled Penetration and Mining of Water Ice Resources in Lunar Polar Regions and On-Site Hydrogen Production Methods and Equipment”—are also key scientific research projects in space mining studies.
Future Potentials
Humans are expected to experimentally mine space resources on near-Earth celestial bodies. Developing space resources is not only the high ground of technological competition but also carries the hope for the sustainable development of future human civilization. Experts pointed out that based on existing space science technology, aerospace technology, and mining technology, humans are likely to achieve experimental mining of space resources on near-Earth celestial bodies within several decades. As Earth’s only natural satellite, the Moon has attracted the highest global attention due to its relatively close distance from Earth and rich resources, leading to significant investment in research.
Additionally, numerous asteroids in the solar system harbor abundant mineral resources, with near-Earth asteroids having orbits closer to Earth making them relatively easier to exploit. Currently, over 1,500 near-Earth asteroids have been preliminarily identified as having very high mining value and feasibility.
It is understood that the global scientific community has achieved numerous results in several key technologies related to space mining, such as extraterrestrial body drilling technology and in-situ resource utilization in space. A multitude of emerging technologies like space 3D printing have also raised hopes for manufacturing and assembling mining equipment in space and utilizing space resources.
