Carlos Manuel Entrena Utrilla

This book examines how various asteroid deflection methods can change global political affairs. The authors believe that the final policy for potential Earth impacts should be based on practical engineering solutions and innovative architectural structures, while at the same time reflecting the most recent political science contributions in ethical security studies and security cosmopolitanism. Their focus is not limited to effective engineering solutions, but rather extends to how such… Show more

This book examines how various asteroid deflection methods can change global political affairs. The authors believe that the final policy for potential Earth impacts should be based on practical engineering solutions and innovative architectural structures, while at the same time reflecting the most recent political science contributions in ethical security studies and security cosmopolitanism. Their focus is not limited to effective engineering solutions, but rather extends to how such proposals resonate in possible political structures of the future.

The text is intentionally written for a diverse scholarly and diplomatic audience in a style accessible to non-specialists and practitioners and can be read by those across diverse disciplinary backgrounds.

eBook ISBN
978-3-030-01000-3
Hardcover ISBN
978-3-030-00999-1 Show less

NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program showed the potential of private-public partnerships (PPPs) to reduce cost of access to space, producing two launch vehicles and cargo capsules in record time and with a factor 20 cost reduction. This program was followed by the Commercial Crew Program (CCP), aiming to provide affordable human access to space, which should end in 2017 with the first flight of a commercial crew capsule. The same team that created COTS is now… Show more

NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program showed the potential of private-public partnerships (PPPs) to reduce cost of access to space, producing two launch vehicles and cargo capsules in record time and with a factor 20 cost reduction. This program was followed by the Commercial Crew Program (CCP), aiming to provide affordable human access to space, which should end in 2017 with the first flight of a commercial crew capsule. The same team that created COTS is now proposing the Lunar Commercial Orbital Transfer Services (LCOTS) program, with the goal of developing cislunar capabilities, establish a human outpost on the Moon, and reduce cost and risk for future Mars missions. Private-public partnerships seem to be becoming NASA’s tool of choice to develop affordable human access to space, increase capabilities, and incentivize the private space sector for a much lower cost than previous approaches. This paper wants to expand the use of the COTS-like programs by developing a concept of a COTS program for asteroid mining, simply referred to as Asteroid-COTS, or ACOTS for short. The paper uses the same methodology of the proposed LCOTS program, proposing a phased-development approach and evaluating which capabilities should be included in the program with a similar scheme. The result is a high-level ACOTS proposal with several synergies with the LCOTS program, and which could lead to the creation of a cislunar infrastructure to support permanent human presence in space. Show less

This project studied the business case for a private Mars colony, considering technical and economic constraints. It defines a possible architecture and business plan, identifying sources of revenue and customers, and technical constraints. The project evaluates the feasibility of a short-term business case based on Mars resources. The author intends to show the other extreme of Mars architectures: fully private funding, and very time constrained. This would add a new point of view to the… Show more

This project studied the business case for a private Mars colony, considering technical and economic constraints. It defines a possible architecture and business plan, identifying sources of revenue and customers, and technical constraints. The project evaluates the feasibility of a short-term business case based on Mars resources. The author intends to show the other extreme of Mars architectures: fully private funding, and very time constrained. This would add a new point of view to the field, and hopefully lead us to the much desired human landing on our red neighbor in the near future.
This project was completed as the author’s individual project on the Master of Space Studies at the International Space University in Strasbourg, France. Show less

In this paper, the major hazards associated with spacesuit operations on the Martian surface are investigated. This includes definition of the associated risks, and identification of procedures, technologies, and countermeasures that can reduce these risks. Hazards are studied with a focus on the different subsystems and equipment of a spacesuit. These include thermal and pressure control, life support, power control and distribution as well as radiation protection. Human factors such as… Show more

In this paper, the major hazards associated with spacesuit operations on the Martian surface are investigated. This includes definition of the associated risks, and identification of procedures, technologies, and countermeasures that can reduce these risks. Hazards are studied with a focus on the different subsystems and equipment of a spacesuit. These include thermal and pressure control, life support, power control and distribution as well as radiation protection. Human factors such as mobility and operability of the suit are also discussed. Show less

Based on the International Space University (ISU) Planetary Defense project named READI, we address the impact event problem by giving recommendations for the development of a planetary defense program. This paper reviews the current detection and tracking techniques and gives a set of recommendations for a better preparation to shield Earth from asteroid and cometary impacts. We also extend the use of current deflection techniques and propose a new compilation of those to deflect medium-sized… Show more

Based on the International Space University (ISU) Planetary Defense project named READI, we address the impact event problem by giving recommendations for the development of a planetary defense program. This paper reviews the current detection and tracking techniques and gives a set of recommendations for a better preparation to shield Earth from asteroid and cometary impacts. We also extend the use of current deflection techniques and propose a new compilation of those to deflect medium-sized potentially hazardous objects (PHOs). Using an array of techniques from high-energy lasers to defensive missiles, we present a set of protective layers to defend our planet. The paper focused on threats with a short warning period from discovery to impact with Earth, specifically one to two years.

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A Planetary Defense Program was developed through the READI project to emphasize
the need for adequate preparations and ensure the readiness of technologies and
methods to guarantee the protection and survival of our planet from cosmic objects. To increase the difussion of the project, the application of the Planetary Defense Program was showed in two narrative scenarios, which are included in this issue.

Presentation of the READI Team Project from SSP15 at the IAC-15 conference.

Final report and executive summary of the Team Project READI completed at ISU's Space Studies Program 2015.