NASA Considers Putting an Asteroid Into Orbit Around the Moon

Posted by Soulskill on Friday January 4, 2013 @10:41AM from the keep-bruce-willis-on-hand-just-in-case dept.

Zothecula writes "To paraphrase an old saying, if the astronaut can't go to the asteroid, then the asteroid must come to the astronaut. In a study released by the Keck Institute for Space Studies, researchers outlined a mission (PDF) to tow an asteroid into lunar orbit by 2025 using ion propulsion and a really big bag. The idea is to bring an asteroid close to Earth for easy study and visits by astronauts without the hazards and expense of a deep space mission. Now, Keck researchers say NASA officials are evaluating the plan to see whether it's something they want to do. The total cost is estimated to be roughly $2.6 billion."

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LOL by sgt+scrub · 2013-01-04 10:58 · Score: 4, Funny

"using ion propulsion and a really big bag" It'll be worth every penny for the your momma jokes alone.

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Having to work for a living is the root of all evil.
Re:What could possibly go wrong? by Opyros · 2013-01-04 13:32 · Score: 4, Funny

Actually, they're flying – under the Arthur Dent definition. (1. Aim yourself at the ground 2. Miss)