--> Abstract: Asteroid Sample Return and the Path to Exploration of Near-Earth Space, by Dante S. Lauretta; #90078 (2008)

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Asteroid Sample Return and the Path to Exploration of Near-Earth Space

Dante S. Lauretta
Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

Near-Earth space is host to hundreds of near-Earth objects (NEOs) that may contain natural resources that could benefit future manned interplanetary exploration. The most promising classes of NEOs are in the “C-group” of asteroid and likely represent carbonaceous material from the outer asteroid belt. We currently know of over a dozen NEOs in this class that may contain resources such as water, metals, and hydrocarbons. Furthermore, a robotic mission could be sent in advance of the humans to process the asteroid surface and build stockpiles of these essential resources. These materials could then be processed during the 6-10 month journey to Mars for water, oxygen and hydrogen. Hydrocarbon molecules could also be extracted and used as fuel for mission activities. Alternatively, the asteroid surface material could be used as soil to grow beneficial bacteria or plants. Identification of resources will be frustrating at best if they cannot be acquired. The navigational algorithms and related hardware demonstrated by an asteroid sample return mission will pave the way for the future large-scale acquisition of these resources. Such a mission is important both to understand the Solar System and prepare for human exploration of near-Earth space.

 

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas