A review on trajectory designs of potential asteroid mining targets
- Paper number
IAC-21,C1,IP,4,x64821
- Author
Mr. Dhrumil Patadia, India, National Institute of Technology Hamirpur
- Coauthor
Ms. Tanishqa Jain, India, St. Xavier's College, Mumbai
- Coauthor
Ms. Mahima Soota, India, Amity Institute of Space Science and Technology (AISST)
- Coauthor
Ms. Vatasta Koul, India, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)
- Coauthor
Mr. Sahith Reddy Madara, France, ISAE-Supaero University of Toulouse
- Year
2021
- Abstract
The near-earth asteroids (NEA) have been a notable literature topic in astrodynamics and orbital mechanics. Several potential NEAs for exploration missions are being considered in this paper based on resources mining opportunities: (i) water extraction - 1996 XB27, 2001 AE2; (ii) Platinum group mining (PGM) - 1998 KY26, Nereus, 1989 ML, 2002 AL31; (iii) Siliceous minerals extraction - 2017 CF32, 2012 HG2. In this paper, we are reviewing the following trajectory methods, for the above-mentioned asteroids, with origins at Earth: [(i) gravity assist planetary swing-by, (ii) Hohmann transfer, (iii) Lambert’s problem] while considering the spacecraft’s ToF (time of flight), total fuel usage ($\Delta$v), and the final orbital elements. Through a comparison between the trajectory methods of each potential target asteroid that we have listed above, and the corresponding estimate of energy needed for missions, we provide a thorough analysis beneficial for future missions. Further, we are performing relevant simulations/experiments to calculate parameters like $\Delta$v and ToF to reach these asteroids (flyby or rendezvous) using gravity assist (G), Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP), and SEP+G trajectory methods. The paper provides a detailed study particularly focusing on the trajectory design methods for asteroid missions.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-21,C1,IP,4,x64821.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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