Asteroid Redirect Mission: Boulder Collection Concept

This animation illustrates one of two robotic mission concepts under consideration for NASA's Asteroid Redirect Mission. In this concept, the Asteroid Redirect Vehicle descends to the surface of a large asteroid and robotically collects a boulder from its surface. See the other mission concept, which encapsulates a small, free-flying asteroid using an inflatable capture bag: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCJjTJZSFMg&list=PLiuUQ9asub3Rv-TwKMRuy4HWYndP7wREj&feature=share&index=4