New, unique, meaningful destination for human explorers in next decade Provides a high-value target well-suited to exploitation using unique astronaut skills Flexible, adaptable, versatile, problem-solving, field explorers Provides affordable way to build deep space ops experience Sophisticated, cutting-edge operations in deep space Applicable to free-range NEAs, lunar surface, Mars system Forward-looking, valuable first step in providing plentiful access to bulk space resources Propellant -- Long-term value to wide-ranging future exploration Plainly shows leadership, yet invites cooperation T. Jones

Science Complementary to robotic NEA missions Intelligent, judicious collection of tens of kgs of NEA samples Emplacement of long-term surface and interior science packages Preparation for follow-up exploration and exploitation of target NEA Planetary Defense Obtain “Civil Engineering” measurements: physical properties, interior structure Enhanced search for hazardous NEAs Solid first step in deflection: Technical confidence in complex, sustained robotic NEA operations SEP may be common technology for other deflection techniques Space Resources Continues commercial partnerships and moves them into deep space Volatiles of prime interest for propellant source Invites commercial cargo support, prospecting, and mining demos Begin—now--ISS research campaign to demonstrate resource handling and processing T. Jones

Invite international and commercial follow-up visits to NEA – NASA assists with access Collaboration on robotic and potential astronaut visits Infrastructure emplaced by astronauts? Turn over prospecting and exploitation to commercial and international partners NASA moves on to Moon, NEAs, Mars system T. Jones

Practical – less challenging and costly than Mars Curiosity Affordable-- joint robotic/human venture possible within 10 years Forward-looking--Gives NASA new deep space skills in preparation for variety of future exploration missions Opportunity--Demonstrates NASA competence and risk management while constrained in destination and budget Excitement--Capitalizes on asteroid interest and new “planetary surface” as part of larger exploration plans T. Jones

Surface survey (via capture mechanism openings) Grappling, anchoring, mobility tests Install “ziploc” access ports for future visits Surface and dust characterization Sample collection Surface Unperturbed optical surface Cores from interior Sounding the interior for structural characterization Emplace material handling and extraction processors Equip for future IP, commercial, astronaut visits T. Jones

Makes full use of human exploration skills at asteroid Prepares for more ambitious deep space human exploration Complements planned robotic asteroid science missions Intelligent, on-scene selection of tens of kg of varied samples from asteroid Invites commercial cargo, prospecting, & mining demonstrations Explores future use of valuable space resources A 500 metric ton C-type asteroid may contain 200 t of volatiles (water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, ammonia, etc.) 90 t metals (~ 82 t of iron, 7 t of nickel, 1 t of cobalt) 200 t other -- shielding, strategic metals Invites international partners to provide major systems, launch services, robotic prospectors, habitats, cargo, etc. Participate in follow-up visits to and exploitation of captured asteroid Planetary Defense applications “Civil engineering” measurements at asteroid Expanded NEA search applied to hazardous objects, too Redirection is by definition a “deflection” demonstration Application of ARM technology for other deflection techniques and demos T. Jones