This document discusses various methods for moving asteroids, including for mining purposes. It outlines NASA's plan to detect potentially hazardous asteroids and deflect them if needed to protect Earth. It then describes and compares several deflection methods such as gravitational slingshots, kinetic impactors, mass drivers, low thrust propulsion, and passive methods. Each method has pros and cons for asteroid deflection and mining applications. More research is still needed on safely moving asteroids for both safety and resource utilization.

1. How to move an asteroid?
Asteroid deflection methods for mining purposes
Remco Timmermans –2 August 2013
International Space University
Space Studies Program 2013
Space Engineering Department

2. Agenda
• Why move an asteroid?
• The NASA plan
• NEO detection and deflection
• Deflection methods
• Method comparison for mining purposes
• Conclusion

3. Why move an asteroid?
• Easy access for mining
• Keep it in a stable orbit
• Ensure safety
Source: http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/neo/groups.html

4. NASA plan (2013)
Source: http://www.space.com/
2.2 years
1.7 years
90 days
2 to 6 years

5. Gravitational slingshot (2011)
• Use Venus, Mars, Moon and Earth gravity
• Calculations made on Apophis (325m)
• Minor orbit adjustment needed
• Planets gravity will “finish the job”
• “as much an art as engineering”
• Needs “tugship” to alter orbit
Source: http://www.nss.org/settlement/asteroids/capture.html
Apophis trajectory on 13 April 2029 

6. NEO Detection and Deflection
• Detect
 Find PHA (Potentially Hazardous Asteroids)
• Deflect
 Change orbit to avoid collision
• Goal
 Protect the planet from NEO impact

7. NEO deflection methods
• Impulsive Methods:
– Kinetic Impactor
– Blast Deflection
• Low Thrust Methods:
– Mass Drivers
– Surface Ablation
– Low Thrust Propulsion
– Gravity Tractor
• Passive Methods:
– Paint and the Yarkovsky Effect
Source: A Gibbings et al, 2013

8. Impulsive Methods
Kinetic Impactor (Nuclear) Blast Deflection
Source: http://www.neoshield.net

9. Low Thrust Methods
Sources: http://www.adastrarocket.com
http://www.neoshield.net
A. Gibbings et al (2013)
http://planetarydefense.blogspot.fr/2010/11/paper-rotational-mass-driver-efficient.html
Gravity Tractor Surface Ablation
Ion Beam Sheperd
Mass Driver

10. Passive Methods
Source: http://http://osiris-rex.lpl.arizona.edu/?q=node/68

11. Method Comparison
Method Deflection Mining
NASA Mission
Gravitational Slingshot
Kinetic Impactor
Blast Deflection
Mass Drivers
Surface Ablation
Low Thrust Propulsion
Gravity Tractor
Passive Methods

12. Conclusion
• Asteroids may be moved for collision
avoidance and mining purposes alike
• Most deflection methods are suitable for
mining purposes
• There are good alternatives to the method
chosen by NASA
• Each method has clear pro’s and con’s
• More research is required for both purposes

13. Thank you!