<img src=”https://naked-science.ru/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/00sci-asteroid-mining-04-blzw-superJumbo.jpg” alt=”The first-ever private mission to explore a metallic asteroid is about to be sent into space”/>A four-day launch window opens on Wednesday, February 26, during which the Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch. On board will be a NASA lunar probe, a private lunar rover, and the microwave-sized Odin, which will head into deep space. Its goal is to study an asteroid that may contain trillions of dollars worth of metals. If the mission succeeds, humanity will take its first step toward mining resources beyond Earth. If not, the dream of space wealth will be postponed for decades again.