What are some examples of minerals that Earth might require in the future from space?

^{This answer stands as an historical artifact, obsolete because of an edit to the question's tags.}

Energy-rich minerals of unknown composition from the surface of Mercury.

Mercury, the planet has an eccentric orbit leading it to be at it's closest point to the sun it is bathed in searingly hot unfiltered solar radiation and cosmic rays. Mercury turns slowly, meaning that in each day the surface absorbs prodigious amounts of solar radiation relentlessly.

This effect has a startling consequence. The surface minerals, when a sample finally made it back to Earth, - a small fraction of them show an astonishing property - if they are subjected to a strong magnetic field then they re-emit that Energy to which they have been subject for millions of years in the form of gravitational force. The unfortunate Lab assistant who discovered this effect, has received a state of the art prosthetic foot.

On discovery of this property, of course it was investigated further, and found to be controllable, it now represents the biggest potential for space exploration and cheap and clean in-atmosphere flight, and of course cheap energy. - Dangerous to venture to Mercury to fetch in any quantity - this mineral, particularly when the stakes and the demand are so high, the governments and corporations scrabble for control of this fabulous resource, but it attracts a certain "frontiersman" type with nothing to lose and everything to get away from. Over to the writer.

posted about 5 years ago

Mr Bumble‭

11 reputation 4 74 1 0