Cubesat SWARMs

Develop an approach for characterizing the composition of asteroid for mining potential and a process for mining different compositions. Explore a possible division of labor involving different types of vehicles (e.g. sensor units, drilling units, power gathering and distribution, extracted resources handling and transferring). Consider solutions for moving said asteroids between different orbits and/or consequently make periodical adjustments to keep them in place. Analyze how your idea would cope in some of the given scenarios or outline a scheme of your own.

For detailed information, please check out the short report we published at:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/h5f8kfiooue4l84/Cubesat_...

Near Earth Asteroids represent a vast potential for obtaining valuable resources in space.

Not every asteroid is suitable for mining, of course. It is however difficult to determine the phisical properties and composition of such small objects from Earth. In order to plan targeted and effective resource extraction missions it is essential to organize a low-cost prospecting campaign.

Cubesat constellations could provide an optimal solution to this problem. They are very cheap and can easily be launched in bulk, thus allowing to quickly deploy an effective scouting fleet.

The small size and weight of these satellites would also allow to feasibly use innovative and extremely efficient propulsion systems such as solar sails, which could also double as high gain antenna elements.

These cubesat "swarms" of 6 3U satellites could each prospect multiple NEAs, scanning the asteroids with a wide array of sensors such as spectrometers, magnetometers, LIDARs for surface mapping and cameras.

PROJECT LINKS:
Report
Video presentation
Slideshow + animations

Thank you!