EPFL Researchers Model Mars Asteroid Supply Chain Using 140-Mile Psyche and Near-Term Spacecraft
Updated
Updated · metaltechnews.com · May 18
EPFL Researchers Model Mars Asteroid Supply Chain Using 140-Mile Psyche and Near-Term Spacecraft
2 articles · Updated · metaltechnews.com · May 18
A new EPFL study says a Mars colony could be supplied by metallic and carbonaceous asteroids through a multi-stage logistics network using current or near-term spacecraft concepts.
The model optimizes routes by delta-v, estimating metal extraction, propellant production and return cargo to Mars rather than shipping rare metals back to Earth.
16 Psyche — a roughly 140-mile-wide asteroid estimated to be more than 80% nickel, iron and other metals — illustrates the scale of feedstock available for habitats, rovers and industrial equipment.
The paper says viability hinges on mining productivity and Mars being able to use raw materials locally, with 3D printing and metallurgy essential to turn asteroid metals into parts and infrastructure.
Researchers say asteroid mining is not imminent because robotic microgravity mining, space refining, long-duration reliability, radiation and economics remain major hurdles.
If one mining trip takes a decade, is a Mars colony sustained by asteroids simply a science fiction pipe dream?
Is building factories on Mars the real key to unlocking the solar system, not just mining its resources?
As asteroid mining becomes vital for survival on Mars, who will write the rules for this new resource race?
100% Solvable: EPFL’s 2026 Blueprint for an Asteroid-Based Supply Chain to Sustain Mars Settlements
Overview
The EPFL study published in April 2026 marks a pivotal shift in the vision for human settlement on Mars by demonstrating that supplying a Martian colony with essential materials from space is 100% solvable. Focusing on establishing a sustainable supply chain, the study outlines a detailed framework for delivering metals from asteroids directly to Mars, rather than relying on costly Earth resupply. This breakthrough provides a significant leap forward, reorienting asteroid mining discussions toward supporting extraterrestrial infrastructure and offering a practical pathway for off-world mining and manufacturing networks essential for a long-term human presence on Mars.