Technologies for Asteroid Capture into Earth Orbit

Stephen D. Covey
[email protected]
RamblingsOnTheFutureOfHumanity.blogspot.com

Abstract

This presentation explores available technologies suitable for the capture of asteroids into Earth orbit. Capturing an asteroid into a stable Earth orbit removes it from being a threat and turns it into a resource, invaluable for the construction of permanent space habitats and Solar Power Satellites.

A specific example is used - the capture of the asteroid Apophis in 2029 (25 million tons of oxygen, iron, magnesium, and other elements, likely including significant quantities of water and carbon), including:

- Required asteroid orbit change taking advantage of gravitational slingshots (tradeoffs include mission time and fuel consumption)
- Mission duration alternatives (launch to Earth return)
- Final asteroid orbit alternatives & tradeoffs
- In-space manpower required

Preliminary details are offered for these specific mission components:

- Heavy Lift Launch vehicles, including the total mass to be delivered into low Earth orbit and the number of launches required using several possible platforms.
- Components to be assembled in Low Earth Orbit.
- Intercept orbit injection (VASIMR)
- Asteroid rendezvous (VASIMR)
- Asteroid orbital adjustment (fuel, energy, grappling technologies)
- Earth orbit return

Several alternative technologies for the mission are also discussed, along with considerations for radiation shielding and other crew requirements.

The opportunity to capture an asteroid into Earth orbit is something humanity should not miss. While the total cost may exceed $20B, the value of the materials emplaced into Earth orbit is roughly $1,000B. Note that Apophis contains enough materials to build more than 100 Five-Gigawatt Solar Power Satellites, each generating $1B annually in clean energy delivered to the Earth. While a significant additional investment in space-based manpower, tools, and their respective launch expenses would be required, the profits easily justify it.

Presented at ISDC 2011 - Huntsville. Paper is available.