Commercial Asteroid Mining

Group 5F

Sade Peña, Saqib Chowdhury, John Lazo, James Farhat

Writing for Engineers

Julianne Davidow

December 15, 2023

Table of Contents

Introduction

Other Engineering Innovations

Technical Description

Process of Innovation

Conclusion

References

Introduction

Heavy metal mining on earth is a very labor intensive and costly endeavor, not to mention the pollution caused by the mining process (BullionBypost, 2023). Mining platinum is even more difficult due to its scarcity and the fact that it is often a byproduct of mining other heavy metals. Furthermore, after refining, the ratio of platinum metal to ore is very low, making it one of the most expensive metals on the planet. As a result, historically, platinum has been more expensive than gold (Kane, 2023). However, many Near-Earth asteroids (NEA) have vast quantities of heavy metal in them. While iron and nickel are more abundant, asteroids containing huge deposits of platinum have been detected by NASA and they have already created probes with small scale mining abilities to collect samples (Javelosa, 2015). However, large scale asteroid mining operations have not been undertaken by any government or private entity. In order to reduce pollution on earth and reduce platinum scarcity, we propose to create a probe with asteroid mining capabilities at a larger scale for commercial platinum mining.

Other Engineering Innovations

Asteroid mining is not a novel idea or innovation with the most prominent and successful one coming from NASA. Nevertheless, there have been several publishings in academic journals of experts proposing ideas to carry out commercial asteroid mining for high-value resources. All of these innovations propose asteroid mining on a smaller scale or of other resources, like water, while we are proposing a large scale, mineral-focused project.

NASA has sent several probes to study the asteroids in our solar system’s asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and beyond. Recently, their OSIRIS-REx spacecraft sample capsule returned the first asteroid sample to Earth (Science Mission Directorate Editors, 2023a). The sample came from the NEA, Bennu, with the robotic arm of the craft scraping material from the surface. Although more than the mission objective of sixty grams was returned to Earth, for the purpose of commercial asteroid mining, this is not enough material to make substantial profit (Science Mission Directorate Editors, 2023b). The OSIRIS-REx craft used a technique in which it only sent the sample capsule back to Earth while it continued its mission to observe changes in another asteroid. This mechanism is to be adopted in our probe so as to lower costs related to retrieval and takeoff since it will have multiple pods that can be sent back. 

Similarly, researchers at the University of Washington proposed a plan for commercial mining of NEAs with a very futuristic approach. They base their mining on a probe in space that  will serve as a hub for sample return to Earth and as a research center. Multiple probes will be deployed from here to collect the materials. Although it is an interesting innovation that demonstrates promise, the complexities of running a space station for individuals does not seem ideal for profits at the moment (Andrews et al., 2015). Asteroid mining can still be done at large quantities without having a sector of the company in space. Interestingly, having a remote and fully-automated station in space to test samples materials brought back from asteroids can prove to be useful once the program is up and running. 

Following, other researchers approach commercial asteroid mining in one similar to what we are presenting with that of one or multiple small probes. This not only is the more cost effective way when starting out an asteroid mining program but it also allows for improvements to be made much faster if something were to happen to the spacecraft. Additionally, they suggest the use of a probe that can detect potential mining sites during orbits with ground assistance which can streamline the process of selection. This proposed mission is for the mining of water and organic materials, however (Calla et al., 2019). Therefore the mining tools used in this probe will not align with our own goals. 

Technical Description

Previous investigations into asteroid retrieval were limited to asteroids of a specific size range—large enough to be detected yet small enough for capture and transport using Earth-launched propulsion technology. With our Commercial Asteroid Mining Plan (CAMP), however,  we break free from this constraint. The mission’s focus revolves around transporting a much larger asteroid, approximately 50 meters in diameter, to cislunar space. This approach presents groundbreaking advantages. Firstly, the returned material is not just of scientific interest but of industrial significance, with a mass exceeding 10,000 tons compared to the typical few tonnes in conventional missions. Secondly, the mission optimizes the use of “useless” asteroid material by incorporating it into the propulsion system, resulting in a returned asteroid that is notably purer. Thirdly, the infrastructure employed for asteroid conversion and return is reusable, capable of repeatedly transporting asteroids to cislunar space.

(Figure 1) retrieved from NASA

The spacecraft’s objective is to utilize a modest amount of mass and equipment delivered to the asteroid by a Seed Craft, enabling the return of a larger mass of asteroid raw materials to cislunar space. Contrary to the prevalent trend of electronic computing, the spacecraft employs mechanical systems reminiscent of ancient devices dating back to 200 BC. A 3D printed analog computer, operating on simple gears and powered by stored potential energy in 3D printed springs and flywheels, forms the core of the mechanical spacecraft. The spacecraft’s mission objectives are basic, requiring straightforward guidance, navigation, and control.

(Figure 2) retrieved from NASA

The performance requirements for each subsystem will depend on the size, mass and type of asteroid they are being built for. The capabilities for each subsystem are as follows:

Subsystem	Capability
Propulsion	Execute a precise Earth intercept, lunar flyby, and enter cislunar orbit if a tug is unavailable. Achieve high performance to retain enough asteroid mass after completing the maneuver.
Structure	Keep the asteroid together while speeding up using propulsion, perhaps with added support from asteroid materials.
Power and Energy Storage	Capture and release the mechanical energy generated by the propulsion system at the right moment.
Attitude Control	Keep the asteroid pointed in the right direction during maneuvers and control the spin for artificial gravity.
Thermal Control	Ensure all asteroid hardware stays within the right temperature range and expel heat from the manufacturing process.
Communications	Send position and status updates to Seed Craft or Earth receiver. Trigger flight termination if the course is off.
Command & Data Handling	Coordinate and order maneuver operations once the Seed Craft has left.

Commercial Asteroid Mining Plan

(Figure 3) retrieved from NASA

Figure 3 illustrates the Functional Block Diagram depicting the transformation of an asteroid to raw material on the spacecraft through the process. The core of this mechanical spacecraft features a 3D printed analog computer functioning with a set of uncomplicated gears. This computer is energized by stored potential energy derived from 3D printed springs and flywheels.  The mission objectives for this mechanical spacecraft are inherently straightforward, necessitating basic Guidance, Navigation, and Control. Flywheel spinners, also 3D printed, play a crucial role in maintaining the spacecraft’s trajectory. They achieve this by providing momentum data to the analog computer, which, in turn, directs the propulsion system to maneuver asteroid materials and execute necessary course corrections.

Upon reaching the target asteroid, the Seed Craft analyzes the asteroid and organizes available resources. The asteroid is disassembled, and materials are stockpiled as feedstocks for manufacturing, including “waste” mass for propulsion. Mechanical energy storage systems are fabricated on the asteroid and charged with power from the Seed Craft. An array of mechanical linkages is assembled for the asteroid, allowing for timing and control of its systems after the Seed Craft departs for the next target.

As the Seed Craft departs, it triggers a preprogrammed sequence of events on the asteroid, initiating its return to cislunar space without the Seed Craft. Upon arrival, the spacecraft, now significantly lighter due to the use of waste material as propellant, can be easily intercepted using planned crewed mission techniques. The Seed Craft is a conventional robotic interplanetary vehicle with a high-performance low-thrust ion engine and advanced robotic manufacturing capabilities. These capabilities are adapted to the target asteroid, ranging from organic-rich asteroids to metallic ones, ensuring a highly modular design.

The Seed Craft, designed around other common spacecrafts, incorporates specific manufacturing modules tailored to the target asteroid’s size and composition. Each module is serviced by a common robotics system, facilitating material transfer and maintenance within the unpressurized interior of the spacecraft. 

Figure 4

In its maiden voyage in 2024, the Seed Craft will use electric propulsion and gravity assists to intercept the Near Earth Object (NEO) 99942 Apophis. The Seed Craft will harvest raw materials from the asteroid’s surface and subsurface using its resource utilization technologies. Processed feedstock will be used to manufacture necessary mechanical components, eventually transforming the asteroid into an autonomous, free-flying spacecraft.

CAMP will adjust its path over time, charting a course to the moon where asteroid mining is underway. The Seed Craft will then be sent to a new target asteroid, initiating the conversion process for subsequent spacecraft until the end of its life or loss of signal.

Process of Innovation

There are two different ways to go about the project:

1. Land the rocket on the asteroid and create mining facilities in space

• A will be more expensive in the long run due to the need to maintain the ship, mines, and also transporting the materials from the asteroid to earth (Dahl).

2. Do intervals of the rocket ship going in to get the minerals and leave then go back at a later date
   • B will be expensive at the start due to the need to fly a rocket up to the asteroid every time and get enough materials to make a profit, but will become less expensive as we get more data on the asteroid to more efficiently carry out the plan to extract its minerals (Dahl).

The cost just for completing the travel to a NEA and back to earth can be estimated to about $1 billion dollars all together. Using the Nasa psyche mission it takes around $700 million to make the actual spacecraft and an additional $300 million to launch it and maintain its course (Society, 2021).

The most important materials for this mission will be those that make up the rocket so that it can journey out into the NEA (GN Feature Story). The three most important materials are:

• Aluminum
  • Lightweight
  • Abundant
  • Withstands high pressure and low temperature
• Titanium
  • Withstands high temperature
  • Resistant to corrosion
  • Durable and strong
• Steel
  • Good thermal shield
  • Cheap

Looking at NASA Psyche project it is estimated to take around 6 years to reach an asteroid close to earth (Psyche). How long it takes to extract minerals from the asteroid is still unknown, but the more they want to extract the longer the expected timeframe of staying there is. The time to reach back to earth should stay the same so in estimation it should take around 12 years’ worth of travel to go to an NEA and back.  

Figure 5. (Sekscinka)

The labor of the mining will be through remote control, different types of special equipment will be connected to a robotic arm like how OSIRIS-REx had a collector connected to collect a sample from Bennu (Gater). 

Figure 6. (Society, 2020)

Conclusion

Asteroid mining for commercial purposes would not only be a profitable venture but also one that will help sustain the human race on Earth in the face of climate change. This will eliminate humans’ dependence on mining practices that harm the natural environment while not having to compromise our production of technology. Although it may not seem cost-effective at the moment, finding other ways to retrieve important metals will be better in the future in terms of economic means as the cost of technology will plateau. Additionally, in taking the first action in commercial asteroid mining, we will find ourselves in the position to dictate the way the market will go. Thus, consideration of this proposal is vital in the company’s economic growth and longevity. Nevertheless, the state of the current market suggests taking immediate action before our advantages are taken.  

References

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Calla, P., Fries, D., & Welch, C. (2019). Asteroid mining with small spacecraft and its economic 

feasibility. Acta Astronautica.

Dahl, C., Gilbert, B., & Lange, I. (2020). Mineral scarcity on Earth: are Asteroids the answer. 

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Gater, W. (n.d.). NASA OSIRIS-REx mission – all you need to know. 

https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/space-missions/osiris-rex-nasa-mission-return-an-asteroid-sample-earth

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Retrieved December 4, 2023 from https://gineersnow.com/engineering/materials/3-most-common-materials-used-for-rocket-ships   

Hellgren, V. (2016). “Asteroid Mining – A Review of Methods and Aspects.” 

Javelosa, J. (2015, December 12). Meet the Asteroid That’s Made of $5 Trillion Worth of Platinum. Futurism.

https://futurism.com/meet-asteroid-thats-made-5-trillion-worth-platinum

Kane, K. (2023). Platinum vs. Gold Investments. Nasdaq.com. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/platinum-vs.-gold-investments

Lewicki, C., Diamandis, P., Anderson, E., Voorhees, C., & Mycroft, F. (2013). “Planetary 

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https://science.nasa.gov/mission/psyche/

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Retrieved November 29, 2023, from https://science.nasa.gov/mission/osiris-rex

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