asteroid deflection methods for mining purposes
DESCRIPTION
This presentation investigates different asteroid deflection (orbital change) methods and assesses its useability for asteroid mining purposes. Presented at the International Space University, Space Engineering Department, Space Studies Program 2013TRANSCRIPT
How to move an asteroid?Asteroid deflection methods for mining purposes
Remco Timmermans –2 August 2013
International Space UniversitySpace Studies Program 2013
Space Engineering Department
Agenda
• Why move an asteroid?• The NASA plan• NEO detection and deflection• Deflection methods• Method comparison for mining purposes• Conclusion
Why move an asteroid?
• Easy access for mining• Keep it in a stable orbit• Ensure safety
Source: http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/neo/groups.html
NASA plan (2013)
Source: http://www.space.com/
2.2 years1.7 years90 days2 to 6 years
Gravitational slingshot (2011)
• Use Venus, Mars, Moon and Earth gravity• Calculations made on Apophis (325m)• Minor orbit adjustment needed• Planets gravity will “finish the job”• “as much an art as engineering”• Needs “tugship” to alter orbit
Source: http://www.nss.org/settlement/asteroids/capture.html
Apophis trajectory on 13 April 2029
NEO Detection and Deflection
• Detect Find PHA (Potentially Hazardous Asteroids)
• Deflect Change orbit to avoid collision
• Goal Protect the planet from NEO impact
NEO deflection methods
• Impulsive Methods:– Kinetic Impactor– Blast Deflection
• Low Thrust Methods:– Mass Drivers– Surface Ablation– Low Thrust Propulsion– Gravity Tractor
• Passive Methods:– Paint and the Yarkovsky Effect
Source: A Gibbings et al, 2013
Impulsive Methods
Kinetic Impactor (Nuclear) Blast Deflection
Source: http://www.neoshield.net
Low Thrust Methods
Sources: http://www.adastrarocket.comhttp://www.neoshield.net
A. Gibbings et al (2013)http://planetarydefense.blogspot.fr/2010/11/paper-rotational-mass-driver-efficient.html
Gravity Tractor Surface Ablation
Ion Beam Sheperd
Mass Driver
Passive Methods
Source: http://http://osiris-rex.lpl.arizona.edu/?q=node/68
Method ComparisonMethod Deflection Mining
NASA Mission
Gravitational Slingshot
Kinetic Impactor
Blast Deflection
Mass Drivers
Surface Ablation
Low Thrust Propulsion
Gravity Tractor
Passive Methods
Conclusion
• Asteroids may be moved for collision avoidance and mining purposes alike
• Most deflection methods are suitable for mining purposes
• There are good alternatives to the method chosen by NASA
• Each method has clear pro’s and con’s• More research is required for both purposes
Thank you!