McCoy School of Engineering Midwestern State University A FUTURE GOLD RUSH: CAPTURING ASTEROIDS WADE COURTNEY & TYLER THOMAS MENTOR: DR. M. SALIM AZZOUZ UGROW RESEARCH PROGRAM 2013 FRIDAY JULY 5 TH 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 Earths 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 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?!