Given this pattern, and its similarity to the reproduction patterns of bacteria, it has been pointed out that von Neumann machines might be considered a form of life.
This mission varies widely depending on the variant of self-replicating starship proposed. The original 'parent' probe could then pursue its primary purpose within the star system. These replicas would then be sent out to other planetary systems. In theory, a self-replicating spacecraft could be sent to a neighbouring planetary system, where it would seek out raw materials (extracted from asteroids, moons, gas giants, etc.) to create replicas of itself. Von Neumann proved that the most effective way of performing large-scale mining operations such as mining an entire moon or asteroid belt would be by self-replicating spacecraft, taking advantage of their exponential growth.
3 Applications for self-replicating spacecraft.