Feasibility study for the quantitative assessment of mineral resources in asteroids
Open-File Report
2017-1041
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Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine if the U.S. Geological Survey’s process for conducting mineral resource assessments on Earth can be applied to asteroids. Successful completion of the assessment, using water and iron resources to test the workflow, has resulted in identification of the minimal adjustments required to conduct full resource assessments beyond Earth. We also identify the types of future studies that would greatly reduce uncertainties in an actual future assessment. Whereas this is a feasibility study and does not include a complete and robust analysis of uncertainty, it is clear that the water and metal resources in near-Earth asteroids are sufficient to support humanity should it become a fully space-faring species.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Descriptive Model for Asteroids
- Spatial Model for Asteroids
- Deposit-Density Model for Near-Earth Objects
- Grade-Tonnage Model for Near-Earth Objects
- Modeling
- Discussion
- References Cited
- Appendix 1.ASTRA1.f
- Appendix 2.ASTRA_INPUT.csv
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Feasibility study for the quantitative assessment of mineral resources in asteroids |
| Series title | Open-File Report |
| Series number | 2017-1041 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ofr20171041 |
| Year Published | 2017 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Astrogeology Science Center |
| Description | iii, 28 p. |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |