Moon mining is an area of growing interest and research, and it has the potential to make sense in the future. While the Moon has been bombarded by asteroids over its history, it's important to note that not all impactors carry valuable elements. However, some impacts could potentially deposit certain valuable materials on the Moon's surface, such as rare metals like platinum group elements or water ice in permanently shadowed craters.
The presence of these resources on the Moon could be utilized for various purposes. For example, water ice could potentially be extracted and converted into water and oxygen, which are crucial for sustaining human presence in space. Rare metals and other valuable materials could be used for future space missions, construction, or even brought back to Earth for commercial purposes.
Regarding the cost of sending materials from the Moon to Earth, it can indeed be expensive with current technologies. The high costs are primarily due to the energy required to launch spacecraft from the lunar surface and the need for significant infrastructure and logistical support. However, as technology advances and new methods are developed, such as in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), the cost of extracting and transporting materials from the Moon may become more economically viable.
Several space agencies and private companies are actively exploring the possibilities of lunar resource utilization and mining, with plans to establish lunar bases or infrastructure in the future. Ongoing research and advancements in space exploration and resource utilization technologies will play a crucial role in determining the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of moon mining in the coming years.