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Spacecraft approaching a large irregular asteroid in deep space with solar panels and robotic arms extended
Missions / Asteroids

ASTEROID SURVEY

Robotic prospecting missions for near-Earth asteroid assessment, composition mapping, and in-situ resource verification. Identifying the raw materials that will sustain deep-space infrastructure.

2033
First probe launch
4 targets
Priority asteroids
AI-driven
Target ranking
Sample return
Staged in orbit
Multiple spacecraft surveying asteroids in the asteroid belt with laser scanners
Resource Intelligence

Mapping the solar system's raw materials.

Near-Earth asteroids contain trillions of dollars worth of metals, water, and organic compounds. Our survey program will identify the most accessible and resource-rich targets, building the data foundation for future extraction operations.

Engineering Architecture
Mission Objectives

Spectral Composition Analysis

Deploy autonomous survey probes equipped with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and near-infrared spectrometers to determine mineral composition of target asteroids. Identify concentrations of platinum-group metals, water ice, and carbon-bearing compounds.

Surface Mapping & Gravimetry

High-resolution 3D surface mapping using LiDAR and stereo camera arrays. Simultaneous gravimetric measurements to determine internal density distribution and structural integrity — critical data for any future extraction operations.

Sample Collection & Return Staging

Robotic arm systems will collect regolith and rock chip samples from multiple sites on each target asteroid. Samples will be sealed in standardized return capsules and staged in stable orbits for future retrieval missions.

Target Prioritization Algorithm

AI-driven analysis will rank surveyed asteroids by resource value, accessibility (delta-v budget), structural stability, and proximity to planned orbital infrastructure. Results feed directly into OEX's long-term resource utilization roadmap.

Priority Targets
16 Psyche
M-type metallic
3.3 AU
Iron-nickel core, platinum-group metals
Study Phase
101955 Bennu
B-type carbonaceous
1.1 AU
Carbon, water, organic compounds
Priority Target
162173 Ryugu
Cg-type carbonaceous
1.2 AU
Hydrated minerals, organics
Data Review
433 Eros
S-type silicaceous
1.5 AU
Silicates, metals, proximity
Study Phase
Program Timeline
2030
Asteroid survey probe design freeze
Planned
2031
Probe prototype testing in LEO
Planned
2033
First survey probe launch to NEA target
Target
2034
Arrival and surface operations begin
Target
2035
Sample collection and return staging
Target
2036+
Multi-asteroid fleet survey campaign
Vision

THE FUTURE OF RESOURCE INTELLIGENCE

Asteroid survey data will define the economics of deep-space operations for decades. Partner with us to shape that future.