Deep Space Mining/Engineering Vessel (DSME) An Orion’s Arm future history image. A variable Configuration modular design vehicle, shown configured for asteroid mining operations. This is the first in a brief series of posts on asteroid mining technology and shows just some of the components of the system. The vehicle itself can be configured per mission type -- modular design accommodates different modules to suit the required mission. Total Vehicle Length: 855 FT. Impulse Module, Fuel Stack, Nuclear Power Module. Length: 450 FT. Diameter: 200 FT. Command/Habitation Module. Length: 100 FT. Diameter: 180 FT. Main Structural Spine [Mission Module Hard-Point Docking] Length: 305 FT. Diameter: 42 FT. Mission Specific Modules Command/Habitation Module outfitted with a drum-centrifuge suitable to house 25 crewmen. Cargo and Repair Modules (CARM) These can hold cargo or, in this case, additional equipment: i.e. dissembled sections of Derrick Scaffold, excavator head drive and guide extensions, pipe-segments for connecting excavator’s to ore separator units and spare parts necessary to service and repair the Mining Excavation Rig’s during operations – one (or several con-joined modules) may be set up as a pressurized service bay, allowing a shirt-sleeves environment for service and maintenance. Mining Excavation Rig (MER) Length: 51.5 FT. Gears Extended: 64 FT. Maximum Diameter: 52 FT. Height (With Derrick Scaffold Erected): 175 FT Semi-Autonomous Fly-by-Remote Vehicle (un-manned in flight). Vehicle separates from transport platform, and is flown by remote to a selected position on the asteroid surface where crews later erect the Excavation-Operations Derrick Scaffold and connect to ore separator units (not shown in this post). The Mining Excavation Rig operates much the same manner as tunnel-boring machines and oil drilling machinery (existing technology researched for this post): Duel rotary cutter-heads bore into ore baring rock advancing the excavating head. Excavated material is evacuated from the shaft passing through mechanical separators, where processing for shipment is completed and waste material exhausted – as in current applications excavation head guide and drive extensions are added as depth increases. All models are my own creations constructed in Bryce 6.3 and rendered in Bryce 7 Pro. As always thank you for your interest, thoughtful comments, and encouragement.