AsterAnts and ET's

The AsterAnts proposal, http://www.nas.nasa.gov/~globus/papers/AsterAnts/paper.html,which says " ...AsterAnts could use the International Space Station (ISS) for NEO processing, solar sail construction, and to test NEO capture hardware. Solar sails constructed on orbit are expected to have substantially better performance than their ground built counterparts [Wright 1992]. Furthermore, solar sails may be used to hold geosynchronous communication satellites out-of-plane [Forward 1981] increasing the total number of slots by at least a factor of three, potentially generating $2 billion worth of orbital real estate over North America alone. ..." and more. But starting with real AsterAnts may keep it ever from happening. The above could be done using space shuttle external fuel tanks at the ISS. The ~ 30 tons of materials per ET might require a slightly smaller shuttle payload, butfor 30 tons of mostly metal it would seem worth it asthey could be used for the above,providing a proof of concept, and when (if)the demand grows for more materials thenETs provide then one could go aftermeteorites with AsterAnts knowing that some of the methods on the ISS (or where-ever) are proven, (perhaps) paid for, and operational. This should make getting the AsterAnts easier as it can be done in increments. Sincerely, Jay Huebner at jhuebn@...