Exploration of Fuel Objects in Space Very Near Earth
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: A prospecting plan is presented to assay near Earth objects (NEO) for their potential to yield rocket fuel. The plan calls out small satellites as the near-term means to achieve low cost surveys and deep subsurface sampling of NEO composition. The water bearing classes of NEO to be considered are limited to those accessible in short time and with small thrusters. These include the water bearing clay objects (phylosilicates) at nearly trivial distances from Earth, and the recently identified water ice objects such as comet (#4015) 1979 VA. These objects are evaluated as small satellite prospecting and assay vehicle targets.
DOI: 10.26077/qh35-jh25
Authors: Zuppero, Anthony, Jacox, Michael
Institution: Idaho National Laboratory
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W49564655