Asteroids Future of space exploration

1 asteroids

1.1 lucy
1.2 psyche
1.3 osiris-rex

asteroids

an article in science magazine nature suggested use of asteroids gateway space exploration, ultimate destination being mars. in order make such approach viable, 3 requirements need fulfilled: first, thorough asteroid survey find thousands of nearby bodies suitable astronauts visit ; second, extending flight duration , distance capability ever-increasing ranges out mars ; , finally, developing better robotic vehicles , tools enable astronauts explore asteroid regardless of size, shape or spin.  furthermore, using asteroids provide astronauts protection galactic cosmic rays, mission crews being able land on them without great risk radiation exposure.

the spacecraft’s path (green) shown in frame of reference jupiter remains stationary. lucy has 2 close earth flybys before encountering trojan targets. after 2033, lucy continue cycling between 2 trojan clouds every 6 years.


lucy

lucy, part of nasa s discovery program, scheduled launch in october of 2021 explore 6 trojan asteroids , main belt asteroid. 2 trojan swarms ahead of , behind jupiter thought dark bodies made of same material outer planets pulled orbit near jupiter. lucy first mission study trojans, , scientists hope findings mission revolutionize our knowledge of formation of solar system. reason, project named after lucy, fossilized hominid provided insight on evolution of humans. asteroids studied ancient fossils of planet formation hold clues origins of life on earth.

psyche

the psyche spacecraft, part of nasa s discovery program, scheduled launch @ end of 2022 16 psyche, metallic object in asteroid belt. 16 psyche 130 miles wide, , made entirely of iron , nickel instead of ice , rock. because of unique composition, scientists believe remnants of planet’s core lost exterior through series of collisions, possible 16 psyche unmelted material. nasa hopes obtain information planetary formation directly studying exposed interior of planetary body, otherwise not possible.

osiris-rex

the origins spectral interpretation resource identification security - regolith explorer (osiris-rex) spacecraft launched on september 8th, 2016. travel 1999 rq36 (bennu) collect samples of asteroid because believed relatively unchanged. bennu largely made of chondrules, clumps of molten rock held electrostatic , gravitational forces, have not been altered geologic activity or other reactions, making prime example of solar system.