Debug: Database connection successful
You are not logged in.
This topic is about a form of asteroid mining discussed at length in other topics.
The method is intended for rubble pile asteroids, which are too large to be collected in a single bag or similar enclosure.
Palomar created a topic about a giant popsicle which provides an example of the scale I have in mind.
https://newmars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=854
The asteroid mining vessel would gently create an opening for the water extrusion pole by drilling slowly to open a passage without creating significant disturbance.
Once the opening is large and long enough, the mining vessel would gently insert the extrusion pole into the opening.
When the pole is fully inserted, the mining vessel would direct liquid water into the pole, and that water would exit through myriad holes in the wall of the pole. The water would flow (while still liquid) into the spaces between particles of the asteroid, and it would eventually freeze solid, in the shape of the giant popsicle described in Palomar's topic.
The mining vessel would then gently pull the Popsicle out of the asteroid, and deliver it to a collection point.
At the collection point, the mass would be heated to release the water for re-use, and the remainder of the collected material would be bundled for shipment. it might turn out to be cost effective to simply deliver the entire collection to Earth orbit for the heating process.
This topic is available for NewMars members who might wish to provide links, images or text to support this initiative.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
This post is reserved for an index to posts that may be contributed by NewMars members.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here