[meteorite-list] Bipartisan Legislation Promotes Commercial Space Ventures (ASTEROIDS Act of 2014)

[Ron Baalke]

http://posey.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=387391

Bipartisan Legislation Promotes Commercial Space Ventures 
US Congressman Bill Bill Posey Press Release

Washington, Jul 10 - U.S. Representatives Bill Posey (R-FL) and Derek 
Kilmer (D-WA) introduced bipartisan legislation today to expand opportunities 
and protections for private space companies looking to explore space. 
The American Space Technology for Exploring Resource Opportunities in 
Deep Space (ASTEROIDS) Act of 2014 establishes and protects property rights 
for commercial space exploration and utilization of asteroid resources.

""Asteroids are excellent potential sources of highly valuable resources 
and minerals, said Rep. Bill Posey, a Member of the House Science, Space 
and Technology Committee. "Our knowledge of asteroids - their number, 
location, and composition - has been increasing at a tremendous rate and 
space technology has advanced to the point where the private sector is 
now able to begin planning such expeditions. Our legislation will help 
promote private exploration and protect commercial rights as these endeavors 
move forward and I thank Representative Kilmer for working with me to 
help advance this industry."

"We may be many years away from successfully mining an asteroid, but the 
research to turn this from science fiction into reality is being done 
today," said Rep. Derek Kilmer, a member of the House Science, Space and 
Technology Committee. "Businesses in Washington state and elsewhere are 
investing in this opportunity, but in order to grow and create more jobs 
they need greater certainty. That's why I'm excited to introduce this 
bill with Representative Posey so we can help the United States access 
new supplies of critical rare metals while serving as a launch pad for 
a growing industry."

Currently, rare minerals used to manufacture a wide range of products 
are found in a small number of countries. This has left the United States 
dependent on foreign nations for these resources. The limited supply and 
high demand for these materials, alongside major advances in space technology 
and a deeper understanding of asteroids, has led a number of private sector 
investors to begin developing plans to identify and secure high-value 
minerals found on asteroids and transport them for use here on Earth.

Some rare minerals that could be found within asteroids include: platinum 
group metals such as platinum, osmium, iridium, ruthenium, rhodium, and 
palladium in addition to nickel, iron and cobalt.

Posey and Kilmer's bill would:

* Clarify that resources mined from an asteroid are the property of the 
entity that obtained them.
* Ensure U.S. companies can conduct their operation without harmful interference.
* Direct the President to facilitate commercial development of asteroid 
resources.