Preliminary design of a multi-spacecraft mission to investigate solar system
CMA Deccia (External organisation)
JS Parker (External organisation)
S de Smet (External organisation)
JFC Herman (External organisation)
R Noomen (TU Delft - Astrodynamics & Space Missions)
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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.