Asteroid Ice

Asteroid Ice is the prime ingredient in Belter's Blitz. It is the unrefined, natural ice found within asteroid belts. The quality, density, and value varies greatly depending on location and the general availability of water or the minerals contained within the ice. In general, it is a staple that can keep a belter alive until they find more valuable strikes.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Looks like ice because it is ice. It's frozen water, but only found in the natural state on, in, or around an asteroid belt.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Generally stable as it's mostly water, but may have other minerals suspended within.

Geology & Geography

Found in asteroid belts as part of or a complete asteroid.

History & Usage

History

When defrosted and de-mineralized, it can be used as water for basic human subsistence needs.

Everyday use

Used as a source of hydration in asteroid belts and for space stations, and even worlds, where there is not enough water to support human life.

Industrial Use

Can be used as a cooling agent and then the water can be used as a by-product

Distribution

Trade & Market

Belters and miners will sell to refiners and other industries requiring water or frozen liquid. Sometimes there are useful minerals suspended in the water bringing a premium price. In general, Asteroid Ice is a staple unless it has some rare mineral within it.

Storage

If it is to remain in the natural state, it must be kept frozen and in a vacuum to forestall sublimation. However, it can be melted in large storage tanks and supplied in liquid form for distribution.

Type

Elemental / Molecular

Rarity

Common in asteroid belts

Odor

None in natural environment (vacuum)

Taste

Varies widely by location, but most people do not like it, usually with a strong mineral or salty flavor

Color

varies, usually a cloudy or milky white or off-white

Boiling / Condensation Point

100 degrees Celsius

Melting / Freezing Point

0 degrees Celsius

Density

Usually about the same as frozen water

Common State

Frozen

Related Locations

• Pyra