Momayez Discusses Lunar Mining in AZPM Feature

In a new video feature produced by AZPM, interim MGE professor Moe Momayez discusses the research taking place at the San Xavier Mining Laboratory and how it may influence the future of mining here and on the moon.

"We know kind of what is present on the surface of the moon in terms of minerals, but what is beneath the surface is still unknown," Momayez said. 

Momayez sees parallels between space mining, lunar mining and mining here on Earth. Because of this, we can use lessons we've already learned to propel this advanced off-world mining. 

"Inherently, it's a hazardous environment. It's a lot safer to send robots instead of people, and that's something we strive to do on the Earth as well," Momayez said. "It's hard to send a signal through rocks or around a corner, so these rovers need to be able to make some decisions on their own. And if for whatever reason it gets stuck, it should be able to free itself."