30-11-2012, 12:08 PM
ASTEROID MINING
asteroid mining.pptx (Size: 9.36 MB / Downloads: 158)
INTRODUCTION
Based on known terrestrial reserves of minerals and growing consumption of it in developing countries, the minerals will be going to get exhaust in 50-60 years.
Asteroids, sometimes called minor planets, are small, rocky fragments left over from the formation of our solar system about 4.6 billion years ago
Asteroids contains platinum, gold, cobalt, nickel, iron etc.,
Asteroid mining refers is the possibility of exploiting raw materials from asteroids and other minor planets, including near-Earth objects.
EXPLORATION
THE ARKYD SERIES 100: Spectroscopy and radar technology will be used to determine properties such as the asteroid’s chemical composition, orbit, rotation, size, shape and metal concentration.
THE ARKYD SERIES 200: To hitch a ride on a geostationary satellite in order to analyze asteroids at more close quarters. Micro-propulsion and imaging techniques to obtain high resolution data.
THE ARKYD SERIES 300: Focusing on asteroids much deeper in space. Laser communication technology is provided.
MINING METHODS
Mining and processing an asteroid is much less massive an operation than Earth mining
Loose regolith – scraper
Competent silicate matrix – drill and blast or cut
Silicates and ices or hydrocarbons – vaporization
Silicate and metal – cut and crush
Extensive metal – cut
Strip mining, materials obtained by magnetic rakes
TRANSPORTATION
The transportation capability would be enabled by solar electric propulsion (SEP) system.
Fuel for propellant is provided by electrolysis of water
SEP system spirals to HEO in 2.2 years
SEP system heliocentric transfer to NEA in 1.7 years
Captured NEA to cis-lunar space into stable high lunar orbit in 2-6 years
CONCLUSION
NASA report estimates that the mineral wealth of the asteroids in the asteroid belt might exceed $100 billion for each of the six billion people on Earth.
One of these asteroids would contain 30 million tons of nickel, 1.5 million tons of metal cobalt and 7,500 tons of platinum. The platinum alone would have a value of more than $150 billion.
Thus, if this method has been carried out it will add trillions of dollars to the global economy.