Sbir phase i: electromagnetic-ablative PGM refining for in-situ asteroid mining

This $275,000 Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the CFDA 47.084 NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships program is supporting Astroforge, Inc. in developing an ablative refining process for in-situ asteroid mining of platinum group metals (PGMs). The key product being developed is a laser-based system to process complex asteroid ore and separate/extract PGMs, a critical mineral resource that the U.S. currently relies heavily on imports for. This approach aims to create a new domestic source of these metals to enhance U.S. economic competitiveness and national security, while also addressing environmental impacts of traditional terrestrial refining methods. The project will take place over an 18-month period from March 2024 to August 2024. No sub-awards are planned for this award.

Abstract

This sbir phase i project will work to revolutionize the precious metal commodity market through asteroid mining. The company aims to identify and mine near-earth asteroids containing platinum group metals (pgms), which are crucial components in various US industries such as automotive, electronics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy systems, and consumer goods. Currently, the united states relies heavily on non-US sources of pgms and other critical minerals, most of which are outside the free world. Astroforge's technology will increase the economic competitiveness and national security of the US by providing a domestic source of these critical metals. The sbir phase i project involves developing an ablative refining process for in-situ asteroid mining, using laser heating to process complex asteroid ORE for separation and extraction of platinum group metals. This approach to developing a refinery in space is compatible with the mission goals and constraints, such as rapid extraction of pgms to reduce radiation dose. The project also aims to address the environmental impact of traditional refining methods on earth by creating a new system for refining metals in space that does not rely on chemical processes and their associated toxic waste production. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.