The nation of Luxembourg is a new player in the space race. Its government is putting money into the asteroid mining industry. Companies will mine asteroids for water and minerals. This will help future trips to outer space. Luxembourg is looking at projects to become a leader in this new industry. It said: "Our aim is to open access to a wealth of previously unexplored mineral resources on lifeless rocks…without damaging natural habitats."

Other countries are looking for new places to mine. In 2015, the USA made a law to let companies mine space resources. The European Space Agency plans a research base on the Moon. Asteroid mining will allow greater exploration of space, and protect resources on Earth. However, the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 says that natural resources in space are part of our 'common heritage'. This means companies may not be allowed to mine asteroids.