Asteroid/Comet Classification for Mining Purposes
Abstract
New information about the internal structures of asteroids and comets continues to be obtained. Meanwhile, renewed emphasis on exploration of the Solar System is sharpening the focus on extra-terrestrial raw materials to facilitate the process. The overall energy cost will be reduced significantly by maximizing usage of locally available resources. This paper refines a previously proposed classification of asteroids and comets for mining purposes, based on updated information about their mechanical properties. Class 0, ice composites, appears less homogeneous than before. Class 1, friable rock, may be the largest group, at the expense of Class 0 and especially Class 2, hard rock. Class 3 remains metallic, divided according to the amount of rock present. Additional information is needed for complete classification, so asteroid/comet mining operations can be planned realistically.
Recommended Citation
L. S. Gertsch et al., "Asteroid/Comet Classification for Mining Purposes," Proceedings of the Earth and Space 2006 - 10th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments (2006, Houston, TX), vol. 2006, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Mar 2006.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1061/40830(188)50
Meeting Name
10th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments - Earth and Space 2006 (2006: Mar. 5-8, Houston, TX)
Department(s)
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Asteroids; Comet Classification; Lunar Missions; Mining; Planetary Surface Analysis; Solar System; Classification (Of Information)
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
978-0784408308
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2006 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Mar 2006
