Earth Fuel Sources VS Space Fuel Sources

Would the fuel source we need be here on this planet or do we have to look beyond it to find the materials we need? This is a question that is always up for debate because we want resources we can easily attain, but we also need to think about the future and how these resources may be harder to acquire if we wish to travel to space and colonize other planets. Planet Earth offers us a wide variety of options when it comes to fuel.  An article I found on Alternativeenergy.procon.org lists these fuel sources and experts on the matter list their pro and con opinions. One fuel source discussed is hydrogen. President of the Foundation on Economic Trends Jeremy Rifklin believes that Hydrogen is our solution. He states how hydrogen is limitless as it is the most abundant element not just on earth but the universe. There is also no concern for pollution as its byproduct is water. When millions of users combine their hydrogen fuel cells they have the ability to create a new decentralized form of energy generation through peer-to-peer sharing. Vice President of the Institute for Local Self Reliance David Morris, PHD states that turning to hydrogen can be problematic due to its high cost and poor output when compared to fossil fuels. Wind and solar energy are also good sources of renewable fuel sources but as to its efficiency it isn’t so reliable. How much time would it take for these systems to become more efficient and affordable? Perhaps we are better off thinking of a new strategy.

Our answer for fuel can also be beyond our world. As stated in greater detail in the video by Planetary Resources, they are going beyond the scope of our planet and looking into asteroid mining. Just like stopping to fuel during a long road trip as the article stated, Planetary Resources is looking to use asteroids with rich sources of fuel as their gas stations during space exploration. Using asteroids for fuel and resources will no doubt help the economy but also push mankind towards new horizons in space travel. The only problem I see is that these fuel sources aren’t renewable. Prices on resources will skyrocket until we find another rock. How much time and money will we end of giving up in our search for a new asteroid? Whether it be on Earth or space we must keep in mind not only on efficiency but also renewability. It’s a never-ending cycle if we can’t produce our fuel without fear of it running out. So I conclude this post with a new question in mind, what fuel source can we turn to that can replace fossil fuels and is renewable as well? 

 
                             

GIF: Hydrogen fuel cell by "Amercianhistory.si.edu"
Video: Asteroid mining by "Planetary Resources"