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NASA Flights Map Critical Minerals from Skies Above Western US

NASA's Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) mission, originally designed to study dust source composition from the International Space Station, has expanded its scope to map critical minerals across the Western United States. By analyzing the light reflected from Earth's surface, EMIT can identify minerals like copper, lithium, and rare earth elements, which are essential for technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, and smartphones. This initiative not only aids in understanding dust's impact on climate but also supports the U.S. in locating domestic sources of these vital minerals, reducing reliance on foreign supplies. The data collected could help in identifying new mining prospects, thereby enhancing national security and economic stability by ensuring a steady supply of these materials.

Read the Full NASA Article at:
[ https://science.nasa.gov/earth/nasa-flights-map-critical-minerals-from-skies-above-western-us/ ]