NASA Plans to "Lasso" Asteroid And Turn It Into Space Station

SlashDot via Yahoo ^ | 24 Dec 2012

[shove_it]

SternisheFan writes "NASA scientists are planning to capture a 500 ton asteroid, relocate it and turn it into a space station for astronauts to refuel on their way to Mars. From the article: 'The 1.6bn-pound plan will be considered by the White House's Office of Science and technology in the coming weeks, as it prepares to set its space exploration agenda for the next decade, the Daily Mail reported.

According to a report prepared by NASA and California Institute of Technology (Caltech) scientists, a, 'asteroid capture capsule' would be attached to an old Atlas V rocket and directed towards the asteroid between the earth and the moon. Once close, the asteroid capsule would release a 50ft diameter bag that wrap around the spinning rock using drawstrings. The craft would then turn on its thrusters, using an estimated 300kg of propellant, to stop the asteroid in its tracks and tow it into a gravitationally neutral spot. From here space explorers would have a stationary base from which to launch trips deeper into space.

Though NASA declined to comment on the project, it is believed that technology would make it possible within 10-12 years. The technology would also open up the possibility of mining other asteroids for their metals and minerals. Some are full of iron which could be used for in the making of new space stations, others are made up of water which could be broken down into hydrogen and oxygen to make fuel. t is hoped that the project will increase our understanding of asteroids, and even shed new light on the origin of life on Earth.'"

[shove_it]

Truth or Satire?

[shove_it]

Is this another of Boone Pickens’ Plans?

[marron]

I don’t know, but the coolness factor is off the charts.

[Kozak]

The only AtlasVs are static displays in Florida and Texas, and we don’t even have the technical plans for them anymore. Couldn’t build more even if we wanted too.....

[The Louiswu]

The folks at NASA must be on drugs

[The Cajun]

Is this another of Boone Pickens’ Plans?

That or a Wile E. Coyote plan.

[Hardraade]

The Arabs have taken over NASA long since and are arranging for an extra moon for all the moonbats.

[BenLurkin]

Works for me!

[Cyman]

I think the brains behind this one is the guy that decided to rocket to the sun at night to avoid the heat.

[GrandJediMasterYoda]

Wait wait wait! This is outrageous. This is going to cost a lot of money and I hope Mr. Obama stops this. A lot of illegals can be supported with this money, a lot of food stamps and health care can be bought for them. We have an obligation.

[DesertRhino]

And why again do we need to refuel on the way to mars?

[GeronL]

Not a bad idea but I doubt NASA is into things like that, unless it outreaches to muslims

[GeronL]

BUMP

that’s progress for you.

lol

[GeronL]

We won’t. But sending the return ship and fuel/supplies for the trip back wouldn’t be a bad idea.

[Lazamataz]

Altering the course of a 500 ton asteroid as it flies near Earth.

What could POSSIBLY go wrong.

[garjog]

NASA will then construct the first Mosque in Space on the asteroid to help build Muslim self esteem.

[garjog]

"The craft would then turn on its thrusters to stop the asteroid in its tracks and tow it into a gravitationally neutral spot."

What could go wrong?

[beelzepug]

No, it’s a new Ed Wood production. And here I thought he was dead.