Computer Science
Scientific paper
Jan 2001
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001heds.conf...54f&link_type=abstract
Fourth Annual HEDS-UP Forum, p. 54
Computer Science
Asteroid Missions, Asteroids, Excavation, Mining, Laser Cutting, Transportation, Mission Planning
Scientific paper
An asteroid mining mission presents the opportunity to obtain large quantities of raw material already outside of Earth's gravitational pull. Such materials would be best put to use for construction of infrastructure in outposts set up on either the Moon, Mars, or future space stations. Mining on an asteroid presents several challenges that prevent conventional mining techniques from being implemented. These challenges force a creative thought process with respect to the design approach. Given the difficulty of this situation, one mining method sticks out as the most practical. We will be utilizing a three-component mission involving a ferry transportation unit, a canister unit, and a mining unit. This mission is designed to operate almost entirely autonomously. In the first stage of the mission, the ferry, which will be equipped with the VASIMR propulsion system, will bring the miner and canister out to the asteroid. The miner and canister will land on the asteroid and begin the mining stage of the mission. The miner will initiate the excavation of ore using the Laser Cutting System (LCS). With a series of intricate cuts using a drilling laser, the miner will slice a section of the asteroid into smaller pieces. The ore retrieval arm will transport this cut-up metal to the canister. Once the canister has been filled, the ore will be ready to be shipped. The ferry will return, bringing with it an empty canister, and then will carry the full canister back to its destination, most likely either Earth, Mars, or the Moon. This process will continue as long as this is the most economical method of collecting metals. The process can also be expanded by adding a second miner and canister set.
Cakcak L.
Christini V.
Cooke David
Fledderman Joe
Geiple J.
No associations
LandOfFree
Mining the Foundation of the Future does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Mining the Foundation of the Future, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Mining the Foundation of the Future will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-924775