DIGGER Drilling and Integrated GigaHertz-Generated Energy Resource for Lunar and Asteroid Applications

Tools

Bamford, R. and Ronald, Kevin and Timoshkin, Igor and Konoplev, Ivan V. and MacLachlan, Amy Jane and Zhang, Liang and Whyte, Colin and Speirs, David and Wong, Timothy and Wilson, Mark and MacGregor, Scott and Bingham, Bob and Eves, Stuart (2024) DIGGER Drilling and Integrated GigaHertz-Generated Energy Resource for Lunar and Asteroid Applications. In: 22nd Reinventing Space Conference, 2024-11-11 - 2024-11-13, Royal Aeronautical Society, London.

[thumbnail of Reinventing Space Abstract]
Preview
 Text. Filename: Reinventing_Space_Abstract.pdf
Accepted Author Manuscript
License: Strathprints license 1.0
Download (259kB)| Preview

Abstract

The DIGGER project (Drilling and Integrated GigaHertz-Generated Energy Resource for Lunar and Asteroid applications), spearheaded by RAL Space in partnership with the University of Strathclyde, UKAEA, and SJE Space Ltd, aims to explore the feasibility of adapting terrestrial Directed Energy Drilling (DED) technologies for space applications. ESA and NASA's exploration programs necessitate reliable, deep drilling capabilities for scientific, prospecting, and mining purposes. The DIGGER project aligns with the National Space Strategy (NSS) and UK Space Agency (UKSA) Corporate Plan objectives by fostering world-leading innovative technologies pertinent to off-planet exploration missions, including asteroid mining and lunar In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU). There is an urgent need for advanced solutions in space missions, particularly for future ISRU missions. Effective and reliable drilling is a critical aspect of ESA and NASA’s ARTEMIS and Mars Exploration programs, including other deep space destinations such as asteroids and Phobos. Directed Energy Drilling (DED), which encompasses plasma or microwave drilling, is currently being explored for the terrestrial geothermal industry due to its high energy efficiency and ability to drill through hard rock. Plasma drills are being deployed in the oil and gas industry as they are able to explore horizontal shafts as well as vertical. DED operates without moving parts, creating a self-supporting shaft as it progresses, which eliminates the transfer of torque to the lander. This feature is advantageous for establishing a stable platform on low-gravity bodies, where anchoring can be a significant constraint. The DIGGER project proposes to explore these emerging DED technologies, combining advancements in laboratory plasmas and systems developed for microwave plasma heating and current drive in magnetically confined fusion devices, such as spherical tokamaks. DIGGEWR aims to determine how these terrestrial technologies can be adapted for space applications, utilizing our expertise in lunar science and spacecraft engineering. The collaboration includes the University of Strathclyde's Department of Physics and Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, alongside UKAEA's Culham Centre for Fusion Energy Innovation Department. Together, we aim to tackle the challenges of applying DED technology to the space environment. The potential advantages over conventional mechanical drilling methods are significant, and the adaptation process for space applications is complex and non-trivial. Nevertheless, the advantages of plasma drill for lunar and asteroid applications, is central to the ARTEMIS and ISRU programs and the DIGGER technology would be a game changer. This initiative epitomises how the new era of space exploration inspires the development of innovative technologies while contributing to the advancement of space exploration and resource utilization.

ORCID iDs

Bamford, R., Ronald, Kevin ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8585-0746, Timoshkin, Igor ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0380-9003, Konoplev, Ivan V., MacLachlan, Amy Jane ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8960-1683, Zhang, Liang ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6317-0395, Whyte, Colin ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5431-2443, Speirs, David ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5705-6126, Wong, Timothy ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6525-814X, Wilson, Mark ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3088-8541, MacGregor, Scott ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8810-1716, Bingham, Bob and Eves, Stuart;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)