Moscow Times 17 August 2012
A Russia-linked company has invested in a space venture worthy of a science fiction novel, betting that asteroids could be mined for gold and platinum.
The company, called I2BF Global Ventures, put its money on U.S.-based Planetary Resources, said Ilya Golubovich, managing partner of the venture fund. Michael Murray, a consultant for Planetary Resources, confirmed the report.
Planetary Resources might also use water-rich asteroids to supply orbital “filling stations” with fuel and water, making spaceflights less expensive, Golubovich said.
He did not disclose the amount of the investment but said it was less than “tens of millions of dollars.” He added that the company would also participate in Planetary Resources’ future investment rounds.
I2BF Global Ventures intends to invest more than $50 million — up to 25 percent of its funds — in the space industry, Golubovich said.