Near Earth Asteroids:The Celestial Chariots

TL;DR

This paper proposes utilizing Near Earth Objects as radiation shields and habitats for deep space missions, including a detailed assessment for a Mars mission, offering a novel approach to space exploration challenges.

Contribution

It introduces a new concept of using Near Earth Objects as both radiation shields and habitats, with a detailed feasibility assessment for Mars missions.

Findings

Near Earth Objects can serve as effective radiation shields.

They could provide spacious habitats for astronauts.

Feasibility for Earth-Mars missions is assessed.

Abstract

In this paper we put forward a proposal to use Near Earth Objects as radiation shield for deep space exploration. In principle these objects can provide also a spacious habitat for the astronauts and their supplies on their journeys. We undertake also a detailed assessment of this proposal for a mission from Earth to Mars.