[aruanan]

If we can get to an asteroid for mining we could also use the asteroid to hop a ride to other parts of the solar system or even beyond and save lots of fuel getting there.

I’ll bet I’m the first person to think of this!! ;)

Nope. Astronauts Could Ride Asteroids to Mars, Study Says

[Nachum]

The primary reason for the use of asteroids is to avoid the danger of cosmic rays. Why not develop a proper shield for out ships in space?