What key volatile compounds are C-type asteroids rich in, vital for life support and propellant?

Water ice, carbon, and organic materials

C-type (carbonaceous) asteroids are explicitly identified in the context of resource wealth as being rich in volatile compounds. These specific compounds—water ice, carbon, and organic materials—are deemed crucial because they can be used directly for life support needs, such as providing drinking water and breathable air after processing, or they can be processed further. For instance, water ice can be cracked to yield hydrogen and oxygen, the core components required for chemical rocket propellant. This high concentration of essential raw materials makes C-type bodies exceptionally attractive for establishing self-sufficient off-world outposts, supporting the principle of in situ resource utilization (ISRU).