• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
  • Life
  • Tech
  • Travel
  • Work
  • Questions
  • Contact

Welcome

.

SpaceX Dragon Maximum Return Payload

December 20, 2019 by

Questions › SpaceX Dragon Maximum Return Payload
0
Vote Up
Vote Down
Garmaine asked 3 years ago

For one of my university courses, we were asked to assess the viability of an asteroid exploitation mission. Assuming that we can somehow mine and refine the material (platinum in this case), we still have to bring it back to Earth (I know that it would probably be more viable to use the mined materials directly into space, but the work clearly stated that we have to bring it back).

According to this, the SpaceX Dragon capsule has the highest return payload from the ISS, (2.5 tons for pressurised cargo). Nonetheless, it has a pressurised volume of 10 m$^3$ (the Dragon wikipedia page actually states a return payload, of pressurised cargo, of three tons). Assuming a platinum density of $\rho = 21.45$ g/cm$^3$, the volume of the dragon would allow for a maximum mass of 214.5 tons.

That being said, I was wondering from where does the mass constrain arises. For launch it is understandable (you'd need substantially more fuel). But for re-entry, the only implication I can think of is in the ballistic coefficient, and I'd wager that we could change the spacecraft to meet the re-entry requirements. The only other problem that I can think of is that we have to put it on a re-entry trajectory, and need fuel for that. Still, if we somehow overcome that step (in our case, the spacecraft is coming directly from the asteroid so, as far re-entry is concerned, I don't have to worry about that constraint), is there something else limiting the mass?

Since this is a bit text, I'll summarise:

  • From where does the maximum return payload on the Dragon spacecraft arises?
  • Possible hypothesis: fuel to put the spacecraft into the re-entry trajectory; change to the ballistic coefficient;

If you could at least point me to some sources, I'd appreciate it =)

Are you looking for the answer?
Original Question and Possible Answers can be found on `http://space.stackexchange.com`

Question Tags: mining, reentry, spacex

Please login or Register to submit your answer




Primary Sidebar

Tags

Advancements architecture beautiful life best building calling city commercial convenience employment Finances Cognitive decline Future gadgets Hidden Gems highway Home houses hydration Impact Innovations lamp lighting Mental health military tech Must-See New York City occupation Productivity recreation romance sepia shopping sippy cups smartphones social Technological breakthroughs technology toddlers Treasures turns Uncover Well-being Wonders Work Young onset dementia

Newsletter

Complete the form below, and we'll send you all the latest news.

Footer

Footer Funnies

Who knew that reading the footer could be such a hilarious adventure? As we navigate websites, books, and documents, we often stumble upon the unassuming space at the bottom, only to discover a treasure trove of amusement. In this side-splitting compilation, we present 100 jokes that celebrate the unsung hero of content – the footer. Get ready to chuckle, giggle, and maybe even snort as we dive into the world of footnotes, disclaimers, and hidden comedic gems. Brace yourself for a wild ride through the footer!

Recent

  • Unveiling the Enigma: Almost-Magical Lamp Lights Highway Turns
  • The Impact of Young Onset Dementia on Employment and Finances: Optimizing Post-Diagnostic Approaches
  • 11 Wonders of 2023 Technological Breakthrough – Unveiling the Future
  • Work from Home and Stay Mentally Sane – Achieve Productivity and Well-being
  • Hidden Gems of New York City – Uncover the Must-See Treasures!

Search

Tags

Advancements architecture beautiful life best building calling city commercial convenience employment Finances Cognitive decline Future gadgets Hidden Gems highway Home houses hydration Impact Innovations lamp lighting Mental health military tech Must-See New York City occupation Productivity recreation romance sepia shopping sippy cups smartphones social Technological breakthroughs technology toddlers Treasures turns Uncover Well-being Wonders Work Young onset dementia

Copyright © 2023