HUMANITY and SPACE Near Earth Asteroids & Space Travel
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PROJECT NUMBER: MH-1202 HUMANITY AND SPACE Near Earth Asteroids & Space Travel An Interactive Qualifying Project Submitted to the WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE In partial fulfillment for the Degree of Bachelor of Science By: Jordan Marchetto Erik McCaffrey Erik Scougal Professor Mayer H. Humi, Project Advisor February 26, 2013 0 Abstract This IQP explores the possibility of using NEAs (Near Earth Asteroids) as spacecraft in order to protect astronauts from space radiation in interplanetary travel. We examined the needs of manned spaceflight and established criterion for selecting asteroids, using Mars as an example target to outline the process of using NEAs. We investigated what the future might look like as NEAs are used to spread humanity across the solar system and how to protect Earth and our culture from space threats. 1 Table of Contents Abstract ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................... 2 Table of Figures ....................................................................................................................................... 4 List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................ 5 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................ 6 About The Authors ................................................................................................................................. 7 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 10 Part 1: The Current State of Space Exploration and Research ................................................. 11 Humanity in Space and the Problems of Space Exploration................................................................. 11 1.1 Microgravity’s Effect on Human Physiology ............................................................................................... 11 What is Microgravity? ................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Effects of Microgravity on Humans ........................................................................................................................................ 12 Solutions for Microgravity ......................................................................................................................................................... 13 1.2 Resources for Space Exploration ...................................................................................................................... 15 Food in Space.................................................................................................................................................................................. 15 Water .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 19 1.3 Energy Generation ................................................................................................................................................. 20 Solar Power ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Wind Power ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Nuclear Power ................................................................................................................................................................................ 21 1.4 Using Local Resources ........................................................................................................................................ 28 The Atmosphere ............................................................................................................................................................................. 28 The Surface ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 29 1.5 Spacecraft Propulsion ........................................................................................................................................... 32 Basic Motion Equation ................................................................................................................................................................ 32 Types of Propulsion ...................................................................................................................................................................... 34 Choosing a Propulsion Method ................................................................................................................................................ 42 1.6 Space Robotics ....................................................................................................................................................... 42 Moving Around Mars................................................................................................................................................................... 42 Navigating on Mars ...................................................................................................................................................................... 43 Space Computers ........................................................................................................................................................................... 43 Improved Mobility Across Difficult Terrain........................................................................................................................ 44 LS3 Quadruped Autonomous Robot ....................................................................................................................................... 45 Rover Design .................................................................................................................................................................................. 45 1.7 Space Radiation ...................................................................................................................................................... 47 Galactic Cosmic Rays .................................................................................................................................................................. 48 Earth’s Radiation Belts ................................................................................................................................................................ 48 Solar Particle Events .................................................................................................................................................................... 50 Magnetic Fields and Radiation Belts of Other Planets ..................................................................................................... 51 Part 2: Finding a Solution ................................................................................................................... 53 2.1 Solution to Radiation ................................................................................................................................ 53 2.2 NEA Advantages........................................................................................................................................ 54 2.3 NEA Radiation Shielding ........................................................................................................................ 54 2.4 Asteroid Classifications ............................................................................................................................ 58 Tholen Classifications ................................................................................................................................................. 59 2 SMASSII Classification .............................................................................................................................................. 60 2.5 Detecting Asteroids ................................................................................................................................... 61 Asteroid Detection by Size ........................................................................................................................................ 62 2.6 Why Use Asteroids? .................................................................................................................................. 64 Part 3: A Mission to Mars ................................................................................................................... 66 3.1 Selecting Asteroids for Travel To Mars ............................................................................................... 66 Physical Criterion ........................................................................................................................................................