TY - GEN
T1 - Preliminary design of a multi-spacecraft mission to investigate solar system
AU - Deccia, CMA
AU - Parker, JS
AU - de Smet, S
AU - Herman, JFC
AU - Noomen, R
N1 - AAS 15-765
PY - 2015
Y1 - 2015
N2 - This paper discusses a mission design concept that uses high-power solar electric propulsion (SEP) to re-direct one asteroid into the path of another, generating a low-velocity impact as a means of studying solar system evolution. In order to validate existing models and gain further insight in the processes involved, a multispacecraft approach is proposed. This concept involves stationing a spacecraft at each asteroid, using them to achieve precise orbits of both asteroids, and one of the spacecraft with high-power SEP to deflect its asteroid into a low-velocity collision with the other. This study will show that it is possible to achieve asteroid collisions with a relative velocity below 10 km/s, allowing direct observations to study solar system dynamics.
AB - This paper discusses a mission design concept that uses high-power solar electric propulsion (SEP) to re-direct one asteroid into the path of another, generating a low-velocity impact as a means of studying solar system evolution. In order to validate existing models and gain further insight in the processes involved, a multispacecraft approach is proposed. This concept involves stationing a spacecraft at each asteroid, using them to achieve precise orbits of both asteroids, and one of the spacecraft with high-power SEP to deflect its asteroid into a low-velocity collision with the other. This study will show that it is possible to achieve asteroid collisions with a relative velocity below 10 km/s, allowing direct observations to study solar system dynamics.
M3 - Conference contribution
BT - Proceedings of the AAS/AIAA astrodynamics specialist conference
A2 - Majji, M
PB - AAS
CY - Springfield
T2 - AAS/AIAA astrodynamics specialist conference
Y2 - 9 August 2015 through 13 August 2015
ER -