A Californian aerospace startup is developing a technology known as the capture bag, an inflatable system designed to detect, trap and transport near-Earth asteroids and space debris. Asteroids contain large quantities of both precious and common metals, and despite the obvious challenges in reaching them, several space companies argue that these celestial bodies could provide a sustainable alternative to Earth-based mining, which faces declining reserves and environmental harm. If successful, the capture bag could reshape both space exploration and future resource extraction.
