Optics and structure for space applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for asteroid mining and space propulsion are inefficient and costly, particularly in extracting volatiles from asteroids for use as propellant and consumables in space exploration, due to the need for mechanical excavation and high-energy upper stages.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical mining, which involves directing highly concentrated sunlight onto an asteroid enclosed in a thin-film inflatable structure to thermally liberate water and other volatiles, causing spalling and excavation without mechanical means, and utilizing these volatiles as propellant in solar thermal rockets for efficient propulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical excavation methods are used to extract volatiles from asteroids, then extraction can be achieved, but the process becomes inefficient and costly
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 system directs focused solar energy onto the asteroid surface to heat and liberate volatiles, eliminating the need for mechanical digging, drilling, or crushing equipment, thereby simplifying the device while improving extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and temperature parameters of the asteroid material by applying highly concentrated solar energy. By heating the material to high temperatures, volatiles are thermally liberated from the solid matrix, transforming the extraction process from mechanical removal to thermal release, which significantly improves productivity
2Weight of moving object
If high-energy upper stages are used for space propulsion, then launch capability is achieved, but costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service propulsion system where the spacecraft extracts and processes its own propellant from the asteroid itself. The optical mining system heats the asteroid material to release volatiles that are then collected and stored as propellant, allowing the vehicle to refuel in situ without requiring high-energy upper stages to deliver propellant from Earth, thereby reducing energy loss and launch costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing of propellant on the asteroid by using optical mining to heat and liberate volatiles before the spacecraft needs to depart. This preliminary extraction and collection of propellant eliminates the need for expensive high-energy upper stages that would otherwise be required to deliver propellant from Earth orbit
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 approach enables the efficient extraction of volatiles from asteroids, reducing launch costs and enabling reusable solar thermal orbit transfer vehicles that can significantly enhance the throw capability of launch vehicles and support human exploration missions by providing propellant and consumables in cis-lunar space.
Implementation Method 1
a light weight solar reflector (20) and means for controlling the delivery of concentrated power onto the surface of a target
Implementation Method 2
directing highly concentrated sunlight onto an asteroid enclosed in a thin-film inflatable structure to thermally liberate water and other volatiles
Implementation Method 3
thermally liberate water and other volatiles
Implementation Method 4
causing spalling and excavation without mechanical means
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.