Mission Engineering Project Report - Example

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Feb 20, 2024

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Asteroid Mining with a Nuclear Propulsion System Name email address ENMA 650: Mission Engineering and Analysis Dr. James Moreland December 6, 2021

2 Abstract The availability of precious metals and other minerals are becoming increasingly scarce on Earth, with current shortages likely to worsen in the future. In order to mitigate the catastrophic consequences associated with a world-wide metal and mineral shortage, the United States of America should explore the concept of asteroid mining in collaboration with a ship- based nuclear reactor as an alternative method for metal and mineral resource collection. The School of Nuclear Science and Technology in Shanxi published an article in 2021 demonstrating the design of a 1kW free-piston Stirling engine for a space reactor power system. Their successful design, consisting of computational fluid dynamics and mathematical modeling, validates the possibility of integrating space nuclear reactor systems and mechanically driven machines for various applications. This project will expand on these concepts and explore the necessary interactions between current and future system-of-systems (SoS) to create a high-level mission design, in which a theoretical spaceship, the USS Independence, powered by a nuclear reactor, will travel through the depths of space to mine asteroids for precious metals. Thesis Statement An analysis of asteroid mining utilizing a nuclear propulsion system in hopes to develop a better understanding of the associated risks, requirements, and operational view, to identify an effects and kill chain framework and a possible path forward in the mostly-unexplored field of asteroid mining. Problem Statement Space exploration is one of the most incredible engineering feats accomplished by man. Traveling outside the boundaries of planet Earth requires immense planning and successful communication between numerous SoS. As technological advancements have made great strides over the last few decades, space exploration is now being considered for a number of strategic applications. Astronomers have analyzed the metallurgical contents of asteroids and determined that mining for resources and precious metals could be profitable; a seemingly untapped resource. Additionally, due to recent findings, a nuclear propulsion system is becoming increasingly possible, therefore addressing a primary concern related to the extensive power necessary for space mining operations. However, a nuclear propulsion system designed for space travel with the intent of asteroid mining represents an incredibly complex system of systems. The early project planning stages for this require an innovative approach to tackle a goal this big. Mission engineering principles can be applied to the decomposed aspects of all the integrated systems required for this mission. Using operational definitions an Operational View, OV-1, will be created to depict the high-level interactions between SoS for mission operation. Additionally, the Effects and Kill Chain framework will be used to create the mission thread. To accurately scope the work, specific requirements will need to be contractually identified. Aside from the construction aspect of this project, the actual execution of the mission will involve a great deal of human interaction and input with the complex systems. A risk analysis will be performed on some of the product pathways to ensure proper mitigating actions can be put in place for critical mission aspects. It is essential that every component communicates accurately and effectively to ensure the safety and success of the mission.

3 The Mission Operational View and Effects and Kill Chain The High-Level Operational Concept Graph (OV-1), or Operational View, of the asteroid mining effort is illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 1 . The High-Level Operational Concept Graph (OV-1), Operational View, of the Asteroid Mining with a Nuclear Propulsion System onboard the USS Independence mission The operational mission begins with the Detection Radar and Exploration Probe, identifying a potential asteroid that meets the necessary requirements to begin the asteroid mining mission. The resulting data is disturbed to Houston, also known as the NASA Control Facility, where it is analyzed and the final determination to begin mission execution is determined. After the mission is cleared and approved for operation, Houston will begin the planning of a detailed methodology to conduct the mission and communicate it to the Space Station, where the necessary resources, ships, and personnel are stored. In support of this, Houston provides the necessary resources to the Space Station, launched via returnable spacecraft. The Space Station, NASA Control Facility, and Asteroid Operating Base together operate as the Control and Command voice, directly communicating with the individual mission

4 personnel via the Communication Satellite. The Communication Satellite is responsible for distributing all forms of communication and data to the necessary SoS. Once the necessary resources are available, the USS Independence will transport the resources to the asteroid, where it will ‘dock’ in orbit and utilize the Asteroid Lander to transport the materials to the asteroid, and begin the construction of the Asteroid Operating Base, which will function as the Command and Control for primary asteroid functions. In parallel to construction and site setup, the Asteroid Rover will mark and confirm the anticipated mining locations and search for other viable areas. Once mining is able to be conducted, the Asteroid Mining Rigs and the Armadillo, powered via power banks energized by the Nuclear Reactor onboard the USS Independence and stored within the Asteroid Base, will drill into the surface of the asteroid for the desired metals and minerals. Once enough minerals have been mined, the Armadillo will transport them back to Asteroid Lander for transport to the Independence or to the Asteroid Operating Base for temporary storage. Ultimately, the minerals onboard the Independence will then be transported back to Earth immediately via the Landing Pad or to Space Station to await the next mineral-to-Earth transport. The mission is then ‘finished’ upon the transporting of the spacecraft and minerals back to Houston in preparation for the next mission and for the mineral processing. Utilizing this understanding of the Operational View of Asteroid Mining and the incorporation of a nuclear propulsion system in the USS Independence and Asteroid Operation Base, an Effects Kill Chain was developed that maps the actors to the functions in which they are expected to perform within the overall mission. The resulting Effects Kill Chain is illustrated in Figure 2. The Mission Thread follows the high-level description of the mission written above. Figure 2 . The Effects and Kill Chain and resulting Mission Thread of the Asteroid Mining with a Nuclear Propulsion System mission

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