PROJECT ARMAGEDDON

An educational guide to asteroids, space mining, and planetary defense.

1. General Introduction

What is Armageddon?

An interactive simulator to explore asteroid impacts and space mining opportunities.

Why study them?

To protect our planet, discover valuable resources, and understand the origin of the solar system.

Applications

Planetary defense, off-Earth resource acquisition, and advanced science education.

2. Glossary of Key Concepts

Asteroid

A rock orbiting the Sun.

Meteorite

A fragment that impacts Earth.

Orbit

Path around the Sun.

Eccentricity

How elongated the orbit is.

Inclination

Angle of the orbit.

Impact Energy

Energy released (megatons).

Relative Velocity

Speed relative to Earth.

Asteroid Type

C, S, D (different resources).

3. Space Mining

It is the extraction of valuable resources (water, metals, volatiles) from asteroids and other celestial bodies.

SELECTION PROCESS

Identify Analyze Determine Prioritize

Real-World Applications:

  • Refueling space missions.
  • Construction of in-orbit structures.
  • Production of rocket fuel.

4. Impact Simulation

Calculates the probability and consequences of a collision.

Examples: Chicxulub (dinosaur extinction), Tunguska.

5. Planetary Defense

Strategies to prevent an impact:

  • Kinetic Impactor (DART): Impacting the asteroid to change its course.
  • Gravity Tractor: Using a nearby spacecraft to alter its orbit with gravity.
  • Controlled Explosion: Detonating a charge to fragment or divert the threat.

6. Scientific and Legal Context

Global Monitoring

Agencies like NASA, ESA, and JAXA track Near-Earth Objects (NEOs).

Space Law

The Outer Space Treaty regulates exploration, but resource exploitation is a developing legal area.

7. Explore Further

Use the simulator to switch between Student mode (simple explanations) and Expert mode (technical data).