Big-name backers for a space venture

摘要

Google Chief Executive Officer Larry Page and Chairman Eric Schmidt are among the backers of a venture to mine asteroids for precious metals, as earth's resources become strained. Planetary Resources aims to launch a telescopic surveyor into earth's orbit within two years to identify potential targets and begin prospecting within four years. The venture also plans to develop galactic "gas stations" that will use hydrogen and oxygen in asteroid water to refuel spacecraft, including satellites.