China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) plans to step up research into space resource development, focusing on technologies for surveying and extracting materials from minor planets, El.kz reports citing CGTN.

Asteroids and other minor planets are difficult to mine because of their weak gravity and unpredictable surfaces, requiring mining robots to be specially designed for such conditions.

Researchers at China University of Mining and Technology last year developed China's first space mining robot, designed to work in near-weightless conditions and survive sharp temperature swings and radiation in space.

The robot has six legs, three with claws and three with wheels. On rocky ground or loose soil, it uses its clawed legs, fitted with sharp metal claws, to grip the surface while collecting samples. Each clawed leg can generate a holding force of up to 200 newtons. Therefore, three legs working together can reach 600 newtons. Meanwhile, the wheeled legs are used to move faster on smoother terrain.

Operating in microgravity is only one of several challenges facing space mining. Other hurdles include on-site resource use, power supply, equipment transport, and deep-space communication.

The robot runs on electricity, and researchers are exploring ways to extract and convert materials on-site so the energy produced can power the robot and other devices.

In the early stages of space resource development, the moon and asteroids are seen as the most viable targets.