In recent years attracted the attention of scientists Kruitni asteroid that has the serial number 3753. As he moves around the sun in an orbit similar to Earth#39;s, and at least a year is from Earth at the same distance, this makes it a so-called kvazisputnikom our planet. I wonder what does this leave us?
Kruitni diameter is 5 miles away, and his weight - 130 billion tons. In this case, the asteroid can not come close to the Earth at a distance of less than 12 million kilometers, making it perfectly safe neighborhood for us. However, it may be of some interest to earthlings.
First, as in the case with many other asteroids, unlike most planets assumed Kruitni composition has not changed much since the days of the solar system. Therefore, examining it, scientists can get a better idea about the origin and evolution of our solar system. Second, it is quite likely the presence of the asteroid rare metals that can be used for practical purposes.
Early last year, co-owner of the company Space Adventures and a member of the supervisory board of the Civil NASA Richard Garriott said that in the immediate vicinity of the Earth hangs out a lot of asteroids that may contain valuable materials. The current level of technology allows the identification of these minerals and ores, after which it will be possible to organize an expedition for the purpose of delivering them to Earth.
However, to get to Kruitni not so simple: because this body complex orbit, getting there by gravity maneuvers almost impossible. And without this, the rocket will require too much fuel, which, for the sake of a trip to an asteroid, as you know, is not profitable.
Economical way to Kruitni recently proposed Pierpaolo Pergola engineer from the University of Pisa (Italy). He thinks that would be an acceleration of the spacecraft aimed at the asteroid, using ion engines powered by solar batteries. According to the calculations pergolas, as the payload can be used two research nanoplatforms, for example, two double CubeSat measuring 20 × 10 × 10 cm, which at the end of the path will be deployed near the asteroid to its detailed study.
In recent years, these blocks are widely used in near-Earth orbits. They have been able to place various equipment - miniature accelerometers, mass spectrometers, as well as particle detectors. It is assumed that the main unit will play the role of a transmitter of information from a relatively low-power transmitters CubeSat, as well as anti-radiation shield, protecting the electronics nanoplatforms from cosmic rays outside the Van Allen radiation belt.
It is particularly important, according to Signor pergolas, is that no chemical accelerators, as well as the presence of ion engines will abandon characteristic of such missions traditional gravity assist and move to an asteroid in a straight line. And, therefore, you can freely choose the day and time of launch.
Pergola says that the total weight of the unit does not exceed 100 pounds, and he will be able to reach Kruitni for 320 days. As soon as the information on the composition of the asteroid, it will become clear how high its potential value, and whether it should be developed in terms of extracting the planet#39;s resources and to organize a manned mission to him.
By the way, recently NASA experiencing problems with the financing of their projects, the plan was landing on the near-Earth celestial body. But there is one limitation: the diameter of the body must not exceed 10 meters. But even the linear dimensions of the ship with astronauts will exceed the dimensions of the body! Do not wonder whether it would land on the five-kilometer asteroid that not only would have looked much more important than landing on the mini-object, but also allowed to speak with confidence about the new breakthrough in manned space flight.
Meanwhile, no matter how tempting it looked offer pergolas, while this project exists only on the level of calculations. And since now everything, and even space agencies, literally obsessed with the economy, none of them have not yet expressed their interest in the mission. But it must be admitted that the project looks very practical and economical, and thus its scientific value can be enormous.
