1996 6400996Asteroid Mining M J SONTER Certification:This is to certify: (i) that this thesis is solely the w o r k of the candidate;(ii) that this thesis has not been submitted for a degree to any other university or institution. This thesis reviews the literature regarding space resources, and notes the tremendous expansion in knowledge of the Near-Earth asteroids over the last decade, in regard to their population, compositions, and accessibility, making them primary targets of interest. M JThe literature highlights, and this thesis addresses, the need to consider details of potential mining and processing methods.The literature also highlights the need for rigorous ways of comparing alternative hypothetical projects and deciding between competing targets, and competing mining, processing, propulsion, and power system choices, which all interact in complex ways.This thesis identifies that the most useful high-level design-driver for assistance in making these choices and comparisons is the project Expectation Net Present Value, and produces flow diagrams, equations, and a calculation process enabling easy N P V calculation for various target orbit types, mission types, and system choices.Examples are worked, using reasonable numbers for equipment mass and throughput, and basic celestial mechanics constraints. The conclusion is reached that robotic resource recovery from N E A s is technically feasible in the near term, and that the returned product can potentially be highly profitable, given an in-space market of some thousands of tonnes per year, in competition against Earth-launch costs of several hundred dollars per kilogram.
NASA intends to send astronauts to a near Earth object (NEO) in or around 2025. This is expected to involve a six month mission with a few weeks stay-time at the NEO. Problems with this concept include lack of abort modes, vulnerability to solar flares, and lack of resupply opportunities. Studies by the authors (the Asteroid Mining Group) and a recent workshop at JPL organized by the Keck Institute opens the door to an alternative that addresses these problems and creates additional opportunities. Both groups investigated the feasibility of bringing one of more small NEOs into Earth or Lunar orbit. Particularly for High Earth Orbits (HEO) or High Lunar Orbits (HLO), this appears feasible with near-term technology, especially high-propellant-velocity, low-thrust solar electric propulsion (SEP) inspace vehicles. This paper compares the currently planned mission with an alternative: bringing one or more NEOs into HEO or HLO using SEP and lunar gravity assist. An astronaut mission to the NEO is then similar to a mission to the Moon without a landing. Trip times are measured in days, the NEO can be used for solar flare protection for most of the mission, and resupply within a few days is practical. Furthermore, materials derived from the NEO, e.g., propellant, water, radiation shielding, metals, silicon, and others, are available for projects in cis-lunar space, including satellite refueling, habitats, and space solar power. The alternative mission also develops much of the technology, experience, and infrastructure needed to protect Earth from potentially hazardous NEOs. As an outcome of these studies we are proposing a process whereby early missions can lead to large-scale industrialization of cis-lunar space based on solar energy and asteroidal resources.
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