Asteroid exploration.
- Paper number
IAC-09.D3.3.5
- Author
Dr. R J Slobodrian, University, Canada
- Coauthor
Dr. Claude Rioux, Laval University, Canada
- Year
2009
- Abstract
An exploration programme based on minirobotic techniques is described. A mother spaceship would transport a load of “minilanders” close to the asteroid belt and direct them to asteroids. Close to 100 such minilanders with miniprobes and minirobots could be transported by a single spaceship. Each would have its own propulsion and guidance system, as well as radio contact with the mother ship. They would anchor on the asteroids and measure physical and composition data. Asteroids often consist of a single valuable element and could be transported, using solar sails, towards the earth’s orbit or to a lunar location for utilization.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)