NASA illustration of Psyche (main) and artist’s conception of Psyche spacecraft near the surface of the Psyche asteroid (inset). NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/Peter Rubin / Maxar/ASU/Peter Rubin

 

Most Valuable Asteroids Identified So Far

Asteroids hold immense potential for resource extraction, with certain celestial bodies valued in the quintillion of dollars due to their rich compositions of metals and other valuable materials. Here are the top five most valuable asteroids identified so far (values are based on popular media estimates):

Davida

Estimated Value: $10 to $27 quintillion​

Diameter: Roughly 270 to 320 km

Composition: Rich in carbonaceous materials, including water, nickel, iron, cobalt, nitrogen, hydrogen, ammonia, and precious metals. ​

16 Psyche

Estimated Value: $10 quintillion​

Diameter: Approximately 280-kilometer-wide

Composition: Rich in valuable metals like gold, platinum and cobalt. 

Diotima

Estimated Value: $7 quintillion​

Diameter: Approximately 176 kilometers​

Composition: Similar to Davida, containing nickel, iron, cobalt, nitrogen, hydrogen, ammonia, water, and precious metals. ​

Alauda

Estimated Value: $6 quintillion​

Diameter: Approximately 190 kilometers​

Composition: Iron, nitrogen, hydrogen, ammonia, and precious metals. ​

Palma

Estimated Value: $5 quintillion​

Diameter: Approximately 174 kilometers​

Composition: Iron, nitrogen, hydrogen, ammonia, and precious metals. ​

Lachesis

Estimated Value: $4 quintillion​

Diameter: Data not specified​

Composition: Details on specific composition are limited, but it is considered highly valuable. ​

These valuations are based on the estimated quantities of precious metals and other resources these asteroids contain. As space exploration and mining technologies advance, these celestial bodies could become prime targets for future resource extraction missions.