"Extraction of propellants, bulk shielding and life support fluids from this first captured asteroid could jump-start an entire space-based industry, " the Keck team writes.

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As water-based materials are better at stopping radiation than metal, the approach theoretically represents the best of all worlds with less bulk, a simpler life support system and maximum room for supplies.

ENGADGET

The bulk of it comes from their parent firm, Standard Life Insurance, which is 96 percent invested in GARS for their pension plan since June 2005.

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The device, he says, picks up global positioning system (GPS) signals better than the iPhone (even in forests), boasts longer battery life and fits in his backpack without adding much weight or bulk.

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