the first generation of asteroid mining spacecraft. In the
short term, both companies are focused on mining one of
the most abundant resources in the solar system: Water.
Water is one the most versatile molecules in the solar
system. While there is obvious need of human consumption, water will be most likely used for fuel. The basic ingredients, hydrogen and oxygen, are the basis for many
launch vehicles today, including NASA’s upcoming Space
Launch System. If we are able to manufacture rocket
fuel in space, as both companies plan on doing, we will
be able to reduce the cost of interplanetary travel. Both
companies are currently moving forward with their plans
to begin asteroid mining, and are aiming to begin water
extraction by the early 2020’s.
Deep Space Industries, often shortened to DSi, is currently working on Prospector-X. It aims to be the first commercial asteroid mining spacecraft. This CubeSat sized
craft is planned to test the basic technologies in space,
before being manufactured for prospecting and scouting
missions. The spacecraft is equipped with two cameras,
deep space avionics powered by solar cells, as well as
their Comet-1 thruster. This small thruster uses water as fuel,
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expelling the superheated liquid to generate thrust.
This craft, which is scheduled to launch in 2017, is a
precursor to their aptly named Prospector-1. The next generation mining craft is scheduled to begin its mission by
the end of the decade. This craft will be larger, weighing
around 50 kg when fully fueled, and won’t be confined
to the dimensions given by cubesats. The hexagonal craft
will be the first commercial interplanetary mining mission.
After it launches, it will rendezvous with a near earth asteroid to observe its water content, map its surface, and
touch down on the asteroid. This second mission builds off
Prospector-X, and will test out DSi’s technology in deep
space.
Long term, Deep Space Industries hopes to prospect
and mine near earth asteroids, and test in-space manufacturing technologies. Being able to process and manufacture metals is the eventual goal of Deep Space Industries, who look towards the stars with optimism. They strive
to be a key piece of the mid to late 21st century.
Planetary Resources has taken a step in a slightly different direction, putting its chips into first developing
technologies for Low Earth Orbit, before testing out deep
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