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Power and Robotic Systems for Space Mining Operations

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Space Mining and Its Regulation

Part of the book series: Springer Praxis Books ((ASTROENG))

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Abstract

This chapter continues exploring what types of robotic mining systems and remote power generation capabilities will be needed to carry out space mining activities perhaps millions of kilometers away from Earth. Again this is no easy task, and these ventures to succeed will probably require new technology that is not only reliable and competent but also able to perform these tasks at reasonable costs, with reliability. The most interesting aspect of these challenges is whether the development of these new technical capabilities might even find their first applications right here on Earth.

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Notes

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    “Silicon vs. Gallium Arsenide Which Photovoltaic Material Performs Best,” NASA Tech Briefs, January 1, 2014. http://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/27-ntb/features/application-briefs/18946.

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    Quantum Dot Solar Cells Break Conversion Efficiency Record http://spectrum.ieee.org/nanoclast/green-tech/solar/quantum-dot-solar-cells-break-conversion-efficiency-record.

  3. 3.

    Thermocouple in outer space: www.physics-edu.org/tech/thermo_electricity_in_outer_space.htm.

  4. 4.

    Radioisotope power system: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/rps/rtg.cfm.

  5. 5.

    http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/2013/dec/09/new-generator-creates-electricity-directly-from-heat.

  6. 6.

    NeoMiner—Robotic Asteroid Mining Equipment used for extracting metals from Near Earth Objects and further distant asteroids Asteroid Mining Equipment https://www.google.com/search?q=robotic+mining+equipment.

  7. 7.

    Peter Chamberlain, Lawrence Taylor, Egons Podnieks, and Russell Miller, “A Review of Possible Mining Applications in Space,” University of Arizona Press. http://www.uapress.arizona.edu/onlinebks/ResourcesNearEarthSpace/resources03.pdf

  8. 8.

    “Listening to the 9.0-magnitude Japanese earthquake: Seismic waves converted to audio to study quake”s traits”, Science News. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120306142506.htm.

  9. 9.

    “Sound Waves Can Trigger Earthquake Aftershocks” Research report from the U.S. Department of Energy Los Alamos Laboratories http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080103124649.htm.

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Jakhu, R.S., Pelton, J.N., Nyampong, Y.O.M. (2017). Power and Robotic Systems for Space Mining Operations. In: Space Mining and Its Regulation . Springer Praxis Books(). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39246-2_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39246-2_4

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-39245-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-39246-2

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

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