Return Trajectories and Re-Entry Requirements for Mining Transporter Capsules

Abstract: As humanity gobbles up the available natural resources to satisfy the growing energy demands, an impending need for an alternate source of valuable commodity arises. The evasion to non-terrestrial sources as a solution to this problem has made it's way to the spotlight. The project KaNaRiA deals with the design and analysis of an asteroid resource extraction mission. In this thesis, a conceptual re-entry mission architecture is designed. First, the re-entry trajectory design conditions are assessed. As per KaNaRiA's mission concept, the return capsule will be launched from the space borne Operational Centre. Hence a sensitivity analysis is performed on the starting maneuver using Monte Carlo to estimate the probability of hitting Earth and there by establishing a baseline for acceptable error limit. Proceeding this, a precise re-entry trajectory is designed by solving the Lambert's problem. The velocity and flight path angle during the re-entry phase are calculated. Based on these results, the re-entry profile of the capsule is traced and the aerodynamic loads acting on it are estimated. Considering all these results, a suitable re-entry vehicle is designed. Important subsystems of the vehicle are conceptually developed. Eventually, methods of validating the technology and backup orbit in case of mission abort are discussed. In the end, a short overview of the developed mission design is articulated.