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Altough mining asteroids has long been considered science-fiction, it is a true possibility nowadays. Hence, it is imperative that we be able to determine suitable asteoids to mine. With more than 20,000 near-Earth objects (NEOs) larger than 100m diameter, mining asteroids can become a profitable industry.
Three stages must be accomplished:
For astronomers a "color" represents the difference between two photometric bands. As it was demonstrated by the "Eight-Color Asteroid Survey", it is possible to identify a taxonomy of asteroids types with that data. Besides, closer images given by local characterization techniques may offer us a localization of potential sources of minerals on the asteroid.
After establishing the mining potential of an asteroid, it is fundamental to send probes to this celestial body for exploratory purposes. The main mission of these probes is to set targets that are easy to reach and are suitable for mining purposes.
We propose that the exploratory probes not only search for potential targets, but also mine the sources of mineral. Through Voronoi partions, we optimize the communication coverage and the localization of extraction units.
With the mineral resources targeted, the next step is to set the motion planning for the exploratory/mining units. Our first aproximation is carried out through potential fields. The mining targets are initially considered as attractors and the gathering points as repulsors. After the ore is collected, the mining targets are repulsors and the gathering points are attractors. Therefore, the motion trajectories change dynamically.
Given the circumstances of gravity on an asteroid, a small bump can send our units to another orbit. That is why, it is important that the worker unit have minimal contact with the surface of the asteroids. We propose to send legged-robots such as hexapods to move over the terrain of the rock.
Two types of robots are sent in this mission: the extractor and the worker. The extractor (first animation) is a static unit that is designed to extract mineral and to generate communication coverage. The second unit is the worker (second animation) and its function is to grab the ore and take it to the gathering point.
With the data obtained in the previous stages, we are able to produce a detailed potential field to command the motion of the units in a dynamic way.
Taking advantage of the low gravity and slow escape velocity, we propose to send all the gathered mineral to an orbit near to the moon so as to it can be collected eventually. For this purpose, a catapult is a feasible solution.