NASA Plans To "Lasso" Asteroid and Turn It Into Space Station 200
A reader 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, an, '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 would 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 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. It is hoped that the project will increase our understanding of asteroids, and even shed new light on the origin of life on Earth.'"
Re: "the Daily Mail reported" (Score:5, Funny)
Re: "the Daily Mail reported" (Score:3, Funny)
"... the Daily Mail reported." All i have to say
Yeah- on the one hand, I'm pleased that Slashdot isn't directly linking to such crap. OTOH, it somewhat "launders" the fact that the story has been probably been filtered through the perspective of a Daily Mail report before we got it.
Anyway, it's of concern to Daily Mail readers- if any aliens on the asteroid reach Middle England, that's an immigration issue. Plus, if NASA accidentally divert it and it smashes into Tunbridge Wells, it could affect house prices there too!
Units (Score:1, Funny)
The 1.6bn-pound plan ... release a 50ft diameter ... estimated 300kg.
Can't trust an article that can't even keep its units in check.
Re:illogical (Score:4, Funny)
300 kg (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Editors (Score:3, Funny)
t is hoped that the project will increase our understanding of asteroids.
Nice editing, found two mistakes on a quick read.
Agreed. "T" should be capitalized and be preceded by Mr.