What does the Orion space program plan to do with asteroids?

The Space Launch System, Exploration Mission 1 (SLS-EM1) is designed to place an Orion spacecraft in an orbit around the Moon so that as early as 2021, astronauts will be able to bring an asteroid close enough to the moon for safe landing and study. This information was posted on the official NASA website in 2013.

Next year, the Space Launch System (SLS) will conduct its first test flight, sending Orion 40,000 miles beyond the moon for a 25-day mission. This will enable engineers to evaluate systems and performance before the spacecraft carries actual astronauts.

The Orion space program aims to study and potentially mine asteroids for valuable resources such as water, precious metals, and other minerals. Additionally, understanding asteroids could provide insights into planetary formation and help develop strategies for planetary defense against potential impact threats.