Let's put robots in space: Philip T. Metzger at TEDxOrlando

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. NASA scientist Philip T. Metzger explores possibilities for space mining -- which he believes may be a practical, affordable, realistic way to access a vast supply of much-needed energy, water and mineral resources within a surprisingly short time-frame.

Philip Metzger is a senior research physicist / planetary scientist at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, where he co-founded and leads the Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations Laboratory, part of the KSC Swamp Works. He performs research into the physics of soil and ice on solar system bodies, and he leads projects to develop space mining robotics, space resource utilization methods, lunar and martian landing pads, and other planetary surface technologies. He leads the Agency's work in rocket blast effects for human-class missions. He has participated in architecture studies for the Lunar Architecture Team, the Mars Architecture Team and the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group. He co-founded NASA's biannual Workshop on Granular Materials in Solar System Exploration and is a founding member of the ASCE Technical Committee for Regolith Operations, Mobility and Robotics. He received the astronaut's Silver Snoopy award in 2010 and was selected as the Kennedy Space Center's NASA Scientist/Engineer of the Year for 2011.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)