Amors are a group of Near-Earth Asteroids that approach Earth from the outside, but do not cross Earth's orbit. Their closest approach to the Sun (perihelion) is strictly greater than Earth's furthest point, meaning they spend their lives hovering in the space between Earth and Mars.
Because they never cross Earth's path, Amors pose absolutely zero threat to our planet. This makes them highly attractive for placing long-term, permanent industrial infrastructure without fear of altering a dangerous orbit.
Many Amors actually cross the orbit of Mars. In fact, it is widely believed by astronomers that the two moons of Mars (Phobos and Deimos) are actually captured Amor-class asteroids!
For human missions expanding out into the wider solar system, Amors serve as perfectly positioned supply depots and communication relays located safely outside Earth's gravity well.
While slightly harder to reach from Earth than Apollos or Atens, Amors hold immense historical and strategic value.
| Designation | Type | Diameter (Est.) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1221 Amor | Unclassified | ~1.0 km | The namesake of the class. It frequently crosses the orbit of Mars, demonstrating the dynamic relationship between these asteroids and the Red Planet. |
| 433 Eros | S-Type | ~16.8 km | A massive, peanut-shaped asteroid. It was the first asteroid ever orbited and landed upon by a spacecraft (NEAR Shoemaker in 2001). |
| 1036 Ganymed | S-Type | ~35.0 km | The largest known Near-Earth Asteroid of any classification. A mining operation here would be closer to exploring a small moon than a typical asteroid. |