Multiple Asteroid Retrieval Mission from Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway Using Reusable Spacecrafts

Abstract

This paper describes the results of a study to find possible Near Earth Asteroids (NEA) capable of being captured using upcoming rocketry for the purposes of space-based mining, combining reusable rockets such as SpaceX's Big Falcon Rocket (i.e. BFR) and refueling capabilities. This work introduces a relatively low-cost option with higher Delta V, $\triangle V$ , compared to non-reusable rockets, and an opportunity for NASA's Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway (LOP-G) for synergy with services, science, and technologies. In an effort to maximize the number of viable missions, the study focused on choosing a refueling orbit near LOP-G; thus, the Earth-Moon Lagrange points L1 and L2 were selected as possible choices for this paper. The resulting simulations of a Cislunar infrastructure orbiting in Lagrange points highlight differences in orbital options. Indeed, the optimal option is balanced between a Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO) in L1 and a NRHO in L2. The decision for optimal positioning of any Gateway Station is dependent on the type of mission allocated to the Cislunar station. However, both options seem promising, not only for asteroid extraction and mining but also for crewed and cargo missions. In a worst case scenario, an operation of 3 decades starting in 2030 retrieving 33 asteroids, or 1.1 per year, comprising up to 2,581 tons in minerals. The work culminated in developing a data mining online tool that searches the entire Near Earth Asteroids (NEA) close approach database from JPL and the small body database from NASA. Using a fleet of 10 BFRs over 30 years may provide a higher long-term success for a business case than any other investment on Earth.