Target selection for Near-Earth Asteroids in-orbit sample collection missions [EPA]

http://arxiv.org/abs/2212.09497


This work presents a mission concept for in-orbit particle collection for sampling and exploration missions towards Near-Earth asteroids. Ejecta is generated via a small kinetic impactor and two possible collection strategies are investigated: collecting the particle along the anti-solar direction, exploiting the dynamical features of the L$_2$ Lagrangian point or collecting them while the spacecraft orbits the asteroid and before they re-impact onto the asteroid surface. Combining the dynamics of the particles in the Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem perturbed by Solar Radiation Pressure with models for the ejecta generation, we identify possible target asteroids as a function of their physical properties, by evaluating the potential for particle collection.

Read this paper on arXiv…

M. Trisolini, C. Colombo and Y. Tsuda
Tue, 20 Dec 22
19/97

Comments: N/A