AsterAnts

> So using extraterrestrial
> materials could significantly lower the cost of construction and
> operations in space if the tools are there, which would suggest a large
> operation, not on a few tons.

We aren't talking about a few tonnes. The idea behind AsterAnts is
that you put say, 1 tonne in and get 2 tonnes back. Rework the
2 tonnes back into new AsterAnts at an orbital factory and do it
again and again.

The materials you have available increase exponentially. The tools
you make on orbit. Any decent workshop is capable of making their
own tools if they REALLY have to.

> Lowering the cost of some operation does
> not make a profit. It can help if there are other "sales", but what are
> the quantities to be sold?

You sell a percentage of the mass you collect and you reinvest the
rest into making more AsterAnts? If you collect some precious
metals you can reenter it and sell it.