Optics and structure for space applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for asteroid mining and space propulsion are inefficient, particularly in extracting volatiles from asteroids for use as propellant and consumables, due to the need for mechanical excavation and high energy requirements.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical mining, where highly concentrated sunlight is directed onto an asteroid's surface to thermally liberate water and other volatiles, causing the rock to spall and allowing for excavation without mechanical means, with the liberated gases entraining debris and exposing new surface areas for continued excavation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical excavation methods are used to extract volatiles from asteroids, then extraction can be performed with conventional equipment, but the process becomes inefficient and requires high energy propulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical excavation systems with an optical system that uses highly concentrated sunlight to thermally process asteroid material. The optical mining apparatus uses lenses or mirrors to focus solar energy, causing volatiles to be released through thermal decomposition without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical excavation equipment and reducing energy requirements for propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the asteroid surface material by concentrating solar energy to achieve high temperatures locally. This thermal parameter change causes volatiles to be liberated from the rock matrix through heating, transforming the extraction process from mechanical to thermal, which improves efficiency and reduces the energy needed for subsequent propulsion operations.
2Productivity
If highly concentrated sunlight is used for optical mining, then volatiles can be efficiently liberated, but the optical system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical mining apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: the same optical system that concentrates sunlight for volatile extraction can also be used for heating and processing the liberated materials. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate heating equipment and simplifies the apparatus structure while maintaining high extraction efficiency.
3Reliability
If mechanical excavation equipment is used, then solid structure and reliability are maintained, but moving parts increase wear and reduce operational duration
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical excavation equipment with an optical system, the invention eliminates moving parts that would subject to wear and failure. The optical components (lenses or mirrors) have no moving parts in the excavation process, thereby significantly improving reliability and extending operational duration without the constraints of mechanical wear and maintenance requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables efficient extraction of volatiles, reducing the need for mechanical excavation and high energy propulsion, allowing for the creation of a cis-lunar transportation network and supporting human exploration missions by providing propellant and consumables.
Implementation Method 1
highly concentrated sunlight is directed onto an asteroid's surface to thermally liberate water and other volatiles
Implementation Method 2
causing the rock to spall
Implementation Method 3
the liberated gases entraining debris and exposing new surface areas for continued excavation
Data Source
AI summary
A transportation network for providing propellant in space can include optical mining vehicles that concentrate solar energy to spall captured asteroids, capture released volatiles, and store them in reservoirs as propellants. The network can also have orbital transfer vehicles that use solar thermal rocket modules that focus solar energy on heat exchangers to force propellant through nozzles, as well as separable aeromaneuvering tanker modules with reusable heatshields and storage tanks. The network can have propellant depots positioned between Earth and a transport destination. The depots can mechanically couple to accept propellant delivery and to supply it to visiting space vehicles.