Next X-Prize: L1 Base with Linked Asteroid Mining as Prime Catalyst for Space Enterprise

Details Next X-Prize: L1 Base with Linked Asteroid Mining as Prime Catalyst for Space Enterprise Next X-Prize: L1 Base with Linked Asteroid Mining as Prime Catalyst for Space Enterprise

Jan 2006

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006aipc..813.1145e&link_type=abstract

SPACE TECH.& APPLIC.INT.FORUM-STAIF 2006: 10th Conf Thermophys Applic Microgravity; 23rd Symp Space Nucl Pwr & Propulsion; 4th C

Physics

Asteroids, Meteoroids, Economics, Econophysics, Financial Markets, Business And Management, Spaceborne And Space Research Instruments, Apparatus, And Components

Scientific paper

We are at a cusp in our emergence as a space-faring race. Development of space resources offers unparalleled economic opportunities. Entrepreneurs with fortunes from the computer and internet revolutions are heavily investing in space. Their goal: to make space accessible to civilians at affordable prices, and build their next fortunes off-planet. The Ansari X-Prize showed that economic incentives can augment the pace and efficiency of this venture. Lunar and Martian missions are being touted as the top priorities by the US and other nations. However, serious and profitable expansion into space is best achieved by the establishment of an L1 base, its economic lifeblood based on processing asteroidal materials to provide the staples of all human space enterprise: oxygen, water, fuel and shielding. This paper outlines the components of an ``L1-prize'' modeled on the Ansari X-prize competition that led to the first private manned flight into space by Scaled Composites. The economic costs, crucial components and profit potential of a primary L1 base with asteroid mining technology intimately tied to it are detailed. The technical and economic benefits of the L1 location are contrasted to alternatives. The likely revenue sources are estimated, including contracting nations and industries; and orbital, lunar and Martian interplanetary enterprises. These are discussed as realistically and conservatively as possible in terms of the potential future profits for the winner of the prize.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Next X-Prize: L1 Base with Linked Asteroid Mining as Prime Catalyst for Space Enterprise 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 Next X-Prize: L1 Base with Linked Asteroid Mining as Prime Catalyst for Space Enterprise, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Next X-Prize: L1 Base with Linked Asteroid Mining as Prime Catalyst for Space Enterprise will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1283683