Mission concept selection for an asteroid mining mission

Purpose The paper aims to introduce a trade-off method for selecting a mission concept for an asteroid mining mission. In particular, the method is applied to the KaNaRiA mission concept selection. After introducing the KaNaRiA project, the KaNaRiA mission concept selection and reference scenario are described in detail. Design/methodology/approach The paper introduces past relevant asteroid missions in general and the previous studies on asteroid mining in particular. Based on the review of past mission concepts to minor planets, the paper discusses the operational phases of a potential industrial and commercial space mining mission. The methodology for selecting a mission reference scenario is explained and the selected KaNaRiA mission scenario is described. Findings The key technology driver for a space mining mission is the autonomous on-board capability related to navigation, guidance and handling of hardware/software anomalies or unexpected events. With the methodology presented here, it is possible to derive a mission concept which provides an adequate test-bed for the validation and verification of algorithms for enhanced spacecraft autonomy. This is the primary scientific and engineering goal of the KaNaRiA project. Practical implications The mission concept selection method presented here can be used as a generalized approach for mining missions targeting asteroids in the solar system. Originality/value The availability and usage of space resources is seen as a possible solution for the imminent problem of diminishing terrestrial materials in the foreseen future. This paper explains a methodology to select mission concepts for asteroid mining missions.