Researchers have identified that the Moon could contain over $1 trillion worth of platinum located in around 6,500 craters formed by platinum-rich asteroids. According to the study led by Jayanth Chennamangalam, these resources could revolutionize space exploration by providing funding through commercial mining. However, the legality of such mining is complicated by the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which prohibits territorial claims on celestial bodies. The potential wealth could shift the focus of astronomy from mere curiosity to practical investment in the solar system.
"Today, astronomy is done to satiate our curiosity... It has very few practical applications and is mostly paid for by taxpayer money."
"If we can monetise space resources - be it on the Moon or on asteroids - private enterprises will invest in the exploration of the solar system."
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