Luxembourg Space Resources Launches Space Resources Mining Framework

Summary: Luxembourg Space Resources pegs space resources mining regulatory framework as key to space resource utilization, according to Feb. 3 press conference.

Artist concept of solar-powered mining mission to Earth-approaching asteroid, June 1977 (NASA Photo ID S78-27139): Denise Watt/NASA, Public Domain, via NASA Human Space Flight

On Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, Étienne Schneider, Luxembourg’s economy minister, reveals at a press conference Luxembourg Space Resources is developing a space resources mining regulatory framework to position Luxembourg as a European hub in space resource utilization and assure mineral rights to asteroid miners.

The space resources mining regulatory framework under development serves as a key step in launching Luxembourg Space Resources, a project begun in 2013 by Étienne Schneider, Luxembourg’s minister of economy and foreign trade since Feb. 1, 2012, and also deputy prime minister since Dec. 4, 2013.

In announcing that Luxembourg is developing a space resources mining regulatory framework, Schneider emphasizes the leadership position that the world’s only grand duchy is pioneering in space resource utilization.

“Luxembourg is the first European country to announce its intention to set out to form legal framework that ensures that private operators working in space can be confident about their rights to the resources they extract, for example rare minerals from asteroids,” Schneider points out.

The announcement of the launch of the Luxembourg Space Resources Initiative signals the transformation of space mining from science fiction to 21st century reality. The regulatory framework aims at efficient implementation of commercial activities within the context of international space legislation. The basis for international space law traces back to Oct. 10, 1967, the effective date of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.

The Outer Space Treaty states in Article II: “Outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereigny, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means.”

Schneider equates the envisioned space scenario of minerals extracted by asteroid miners to the Earth-based situation of trawlers in international waters. Fishermen do not own the ocean but they do own their catches. As with conventions and laws regarding international waters on Earth, the Outer Space Treaty only addresses the non-ownership of space’s natural bodies.

“Today, these rules prohibit an appropriation of space and celestial bodies, but they do not exclude the appropriation of materials which can be found there,” notes Deputy Prime Minister Schneider.

Asteroids contain valuable resources, such as water-bearing carbonaceous chondrites and rare-on-Earth plutonium group metals. At the press conference Jean-Jacques Dordain, director general of the European Space Agency (ESA) until June 30, 2015, and now advisor to the Luxembourg Space Resources Initiative, spotlights off-Earth resources, such as asteroid-derived water, for extending space travel and for reducing the environmental impacts of Earth-based mining.

“The idea of Luxembourg has the beauty to transform two threats into an opportunity, an opportunity for planet Earth to extend its economical sphere without problems for its environment,” Dordrain notes.

Luxembourg’s launch of pioneer regulatory frameworks for space resource utilization encourages the development of a vibrant space economy in the twenty-first century.

“Our aim is to open access to a wealth of previously unexplored mineral resources on lifeless rocks hurling through space, without damaging natural habitats. We will support the long-term economic development of new, innovative activities in the space and satellite industries as a key high-tech sector for Luxembourg,” explains Schneider at the live-streamed press conference.

Erik Simonsen/Getty Images: SpaceResources.lu @spaceRESlux via Twitter Feb. 4, 2016

Acknowledgment

My special thanks to talented artists and photographers/concerned organizations who make their fine images available on the internet.

Image credits:

Asteroid mining: Denise Watt/NASA, Public Domain, via NASA Human Space Flight @ http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/exploration/marsexploration/html/s78_27139.html

photo by Erik Simonsen/Getty Images: SpaceResources.lu‏ @spaceRESlux via Twitter Feb. 4, 2016, @ https://twitter.com/spaceRESlux/status/695233220825202688

For further information:

"Deep Space Industries Congratulates Luxembourg on their Support of Space Resources Development." Deep Space Industries.
Available @ https://deepspaceindustries.com/deep-space-industries-congratulates-luxembourg-on-their-support-of-space-resources-development/

FutureTimeline.net. "Luxembourg space resources initiative." YouTube. Feb. 4, 2016.
Available @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jx2QfhgJVA

Jamasmie, Cecilia. "Luxembourg joins race to conquer space mining." Mining.com. Feb. 3, 2016.
Available @ http://www.mining.com/luxembourg-joins-race-to-conquer-space-mining/

Le Gouvernement du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg. "Press conference by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Economy, Étienne Schneider, and former Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), Jean-Jacques Dordain, Space Resources." Le Gouvernment due Grand-Duché de Luxembourg > Service et press. Feb. 3, 2016.
Available @ https://www.gouvernement.lu/5678423/Press-conference-SpaceResources_lu-Transcript.pdf

Luxembourg Ministry of the Economy. "Luxembourg to launch framework to support the future use of space resources." Le Gouvernement du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg > Actualités. Feb. 2, 2016.
Available @ http://www.gouvernement.lu/5653386

Poujol, Veronique, and Marlowe Hood. "Luxembourg's ultimate offshore investment: space mining." Phys.org > Astronomy & Space > Space Exploration. Feb. 3, 2016.
Available @ http://phys.org/news/2016-02-luxembourg-ultimate-offshore-investment-space.html

SpaceResources.lu‏ @spaceRESlux. ".@CNBC - Lift-off: Luxembourg’s asteroid mining plan." Twitter. Feb. 4, 2016.
Available @ https://twitter.com/spaceRESlux/status/695233220825202688

"Vidéos: Press Conference." Le Gouvernment du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg > Son & Images. Feb. 3, 2016.
Available @ http://www.gouvernement.lu/5668002/03-schneider-cd