Preliminary design of a multi-spacecraft mission to investigate solar system

Conference paper (2015)

Authors

CMA Deccia External organisation
JS Parker External organisation
S de Smet External organisation
JFC Herman External organisation
R. Noomen Astrodynamics & Space Missions - Aerospace Engineering
Research Group
Astrodynamics & Space Missions (Aerospace Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2015 CMA Deccia, JS Parker, S de Smet, JFC Herman, R. Noomen
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Published Date

2015

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Department

Space Engineering

Research Group

Astrodynamics & Space Missions

Abstract

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.