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!