The new type of space mission might consist of a fleet of miniature probes. And the larger probes that are coming to an asteroid are marked by mini probes. Those systems are operating by using highly advanced artificial intelligence. And they can make many decisions by themselves.
The NASAs "Psyche" probe is traveling to the asteroid belt and operates using solar-powered ion engines. But the successor of that interesting probe might be something else. It can be the swarm of miniature probes that are traveling in the solar system.
The fleet of "mini Psyches" can operate in the internal solar system. The idea of the miniature space probes is similar to drone swarms. They are simpler, cheaper, and more limited than full-scale probes. But they can cover a larger area. The miniature probes can operate along with the full-scale probes.
And search for things like minerals. The miniature space probes are the tool that can observe multiple asteroids in the same mission. The sensors of those systems might be magnetometer, laser-spectrometer which has combined with lidar and laser scanner. And a CCD camera that is connected with a spectrometer. The idea is that this kind of system are using so much integrated technology as possible.
The sensors of those miniature systems are limited but things like laser systems can integrate into one package. The lens is turning the laser into an effective spectrometer. And when the lens is removed from the route of laser ray that system can vaporize material from the asteroid's surface. The chemical combinations of that material can observe by using the spectrometer. The same laser system can use as a communication tool. And it can also mark the place where the miniature probe is.
The smaller probes can search objects for the larger-size probes that have more versatile sensors. The idea is that the system is operating by using both types of probes. A large group of simpler probes is searching for the most interesting asteroids from the solar system. And then the larger probes are driving themselves to that asteroid.
https://scitechdaily.com/mini-psyches-give-insights-into-mysterious-metal-rich-near-earth-asteroids-that-could-one-day-be-mined/
https://scitechdaily.com/nasas-psyche-spacecraft-to-explore-unique-asteroid-for-clues-to-early-solar-system/
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