Human missions to NEO's - A system perspective

Abstract

Ever since the discovery of Ceres on January 1st 1801, Near Earth Objects (NEOs) have attracted our attention and fascination. Subsequent proof of their potentially destructive capabilities and the recent improvements in NEO detection rate have given us the impulse to expand our knowledge in order to devise a way of detecting and neutralize possible dangers to our existence. Recent studies however suggest that the pool of materials available in the form of NEOs may also be used both as a source of minerals on Earth as well as a material springboard for future human colonies in the Solar System.