There are vast numbers of asteroids in near-Earth orbits, some of which are easier to access than the Moon. The potential mineral wealth of these asteroids is so great that huge profits could be made once we can start mining them for materials to be sold to markets on Earth. Like space solar power, this is one of the potential revenue sources for the large startup costs for the first space settlements.

Asteroids can also be an enormous boon to orbital settlements. Orbital settlements must import their materials from either the Moon or asteroids. Diverting a few small (30-70 meter diameter) asteroids into Earth orbit could supply all the materials needed for early orbital settlement development.

While early orbital settlements may well be in Earth orbit, eventually humanity will spread out across the solar system. Then asteroids become prime targets for new settlements. Hollowing out a large, solid asteroid and building homes inside has great appeal. Such a settlement will have ample materials in the form of the asteroid itself, and the large mass of the asteroid provides immediate and substantial radiation protection. With a little care radiation levels could be less than on Earth.

Settlement of a large asteroid could start with a relatively small tunnel, providing a home for workers that could be gradually extended over time to build large open spaces and wonderful living areas with a complex geometry, providing endless, safe exploration possibilities for the children.

While some asteroids are believed to be solid enough to be hollowed out for living space, others are known to be ‘rubble-piles,’ barely held together by their weak gravity. While such asteroids cannot be hollowed out for living in, they are much easier to mine to provide materials for large numbers of orbital settlements.

The vast material resources of the asteroid belt beyond Mars may eventually provide home for the bulk of humanity.