Asteroid Mining Economics Simulator
Create a simulation game that models the economics and logistics of asteroid mining operations.
Problem Statement
Build an educational simulation for asteroid mining:
1. Game Mechanics
- Select target asteroids (NEAs database)
- Plan mission trajectories
- Allocate resources and equipment
- Manage extraction operations
2. Economic Model
- Launch costs ($10,000/kg to LEO)
- Mining equipment expenses
- Precious metal prices (platinum, gold, rare earths)
- Market dynamics and demand
3. Technical Constraints
- Delta-v requirements
- Mission duration (2-5 years typical)
- Equipment reliability
- Communication delays
4. Resource Management
- Budget allocation
- Fuel and supplies
- Crew (if applicable)
- Risk vs. reward decisions
5. Educational Value
- Real orbital mechanics
- Accurate cost estimates
- Scientific asteroid data
- Tutorial and explanations
Deliverables:
- Playable web game
- Source code
- Design document
- Educational guide