Asteroid Redirect Robotic Mission: Robotic Boulder Capture Option Overview
2014
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently studying an option for the
AsteroidRedirect Robotic Mission (ARRM) that would capture a multi-ton boulder (typically 2-4 meters in size) from the surface of a large (~100+ meter) Near-Earth
Asteroid(NEA) and return it to cislunar space for subsequent human and robotic exploration. This alternative mission approach, designated the Robotic Boulder Capture Option (Option B), has been investigated to determine the mission feasibility and identify potential differences from the initial ARRM concept of capturing an entire small NEA (4-10 meters in size), which has been designated the Small
Asteroid CaptureOption (Option A). Compared to the initial ARRM concept, Option B allows for centimeter-level characterization over an entire large NEA, the certainty of target NEA composition type, the ability to select the boulder that is captured, numerous opportunities for mission enhancements to support science objectives, additional experience operating at a low-gravity
planetary bodyincluding extended surface contact, and the ability to demonstrate future planetary defense strategies on a hazardous-size NEA. Option B can leverage precursor missions and existing Agency capabilities to help ensure mission success by targeting wellcharacterized
asteroidsand can accommodate uncertain programmatic schedules by tailoring the return mass.
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