McCoy School of EngineeringMidwestern State University

A FUTURE GOLD RUSH: CAPTURING ASTEROIDS

WADE COURTNEY & TYLER THOMAS

MENTOR: DR. M. SALIM AZZOUZ

UGROW RESEARCH PROGRAM 2013

FRIDAY JULY 5TH 2013

OBJECTIVE & MOTIVATION

Objective: Developing an elaborate concept of capturing an asteroid passing nearby earth, landing it safely on earth and exploiting its raw materials.

Motivation: Asteroids are worth trillions of dollars PMG can be used to reduce the deficit and paying

debts Elements can be used in high tech manufacturing

processes Elements can be used to build efficient solar power

satellites in outer space Assist in alleviating an asteroid threat Can be used for military purposes Cleaning debris in outer space

Gold Platinum

LOGISTICS FOR CAPTURING AN ASTEROID

Launching System Space Stations Detection and Cataloging Approaching an Asteroid Capturing an Asteroid Asteroid Processing Re-entry of Asteroids

Capturing an Asteroid

Approaching an Asteroid

LAUNCHING SYSTEMS

EXISTING SYSTEMS

Non-reusable Losing millions

of $$ Non Modular Dead Weight No Inflatable

Heat Shield

FUTURE CONCEPT

Reusable Modular Active Weight Uses Inflatable

Heat Shields

Inflatable Heat Shield

Modular Re-Usable Rocket

Concept

SPACE STATION

Orbital Space Stations can be positioned at LEO, MEO, GEO, & lunar orbit

Functions includes: Preparation for Rocket Re-entry Storage of Fuel, Food, Materials, Spacecraft

etc. Repairing or upgrading existing satellites Processing Asteroids Living Quarters for Astronauts

Structure includes many docking pads

Space Station

DETECTION & CATALOG

Lasers will be used to sweep a wide area in Earth’s proximity to detect both small and large size asteroids

Every asteroid detected will be cataloged and its composition determined

The system must be capable of detecting a threatening asteroids months and years in advance

DETECTION, CATALOGING, & COMPOSITION

1 LD = 238,900 miles 1km/s = 2,237 mph http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/ca/

Iron

Cobalt

Iridium

APPROACHING AN ASTEROID

Determine the orbit of approach of the capturing spacecraft by a navigation team

Determine the speed of the asteroid and match the speed of the spacecraft for approach

Spacecraft must be equipped with fuel tanks to supply sufficient fuel for the round trip

LOGISTICS CAPTURING AN ASTEROID

Spacecraft is equipped with RS-25 engine because of their reusable reputation

Spacecraft has ion engine as alternate engine

Two fuel reservoirs for the RS-25 RS-25 engine has 400,000 lbf thrust Fixing the asteroid with drill bits,

magnets, gravity attraction, or bag-net

RS-25

Fuel Reservoirs Solar Panels

Directional Thrusters

Robotic Capture Arms

PROCESSING ASTEROIDS

Processing of asteroids will occur at the Lunar orbit

Space station infrastructure will include an asteroid processing plant

Asteroids will be prepared for re-entry at the lunar orbit

Build a manufacture plant to separate the different elements of the asteroid

GEO space station infrastructure will include fuel station for asteroid capturing spacecraft

RE-ENTRY OF ASTEROIDS

Inflatable Heat Shield

Captured Asteroid

Asteroid Restraints and Foam

Rocket Module

Sketch of An Asteroid Re-entry

Asteroids will be fixed and restrained in a chamber in the module

Thermal Protection Systems will be fixed onto the module

Parachutes will be fixed to the module for landing

Recovery and Emergency Crews will prepare on earth soil for recovery

CONCLUSION

We established a business model for capturing asteroids

We proposed a model for reusable modular rocket system

Fuel is at the heart of making this enterprise successful

We proposed a model to match the speed of the asteroid

We can land an asteroid on earth safely

QUESTION?Is everybody ready for the new Gold Rush?!