Chapter
Apr 26, 2012
Asteroid/Comet Classification for Mining Purposes
Authors: Leslie Sour Gertsch [email protected], John L. Remo [email protected], and Richard GertschAuthor Affiliations
Publication: Earth & Space 2006: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environment
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.
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© 2006 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Published online: Apr 26, 2012
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University of Missouri-Rolla, Rock Mechanics & Explosives Research Center, 1006 Kingshighway, Rolla, MO 65409-0660 and Geological Sciences and Engineering Dept, 1006 Kingshighway, Rolla, MO 65409-0660. E-mail: [email protected]
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Harvard University, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 and Sandia National Laboratories, PO Box 5800, MS 1193, Albuquerque, NM 87185-1193;. E-mail: [email protected]
Richard Gertsch
Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931
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