Get the controversy out of who could mine asteroids and such so that there is no longer any uncertainty about someone's rights in these matters.
I can't think of any barrier to mining asteroids that won't be overcome and soon.
After reading the Space Sailing book, I'd say that the 3D printing technology will enable the large sails to be constructed in space. These are the most high performance ones and they will work almost throughout the solar system. That means you could go to a rich source of platinum and mine it, bring it back, and reap the profits. The profits could be frickin' huge.
Why?
No propellant necessary. Accessibility to all asteroids. Reusable spacecraft. The costs should be controllable and the benefits are unlimited. What company would not want to get in on this type of action? The only reason not to would be the uncertainty of the legal ramifications of bringing back mined stuff from outer space.
The government could remove that uncertainty and open up the solar system for commercial development. This could happen in the next decade, if not sooner.
Al Fin: "Cowboy Commentary", aka "Eat your veggies" The Flag banner is posted in order to defy those who would make patriotic symbols illegal or disreputable.
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