Effects of neo composition on deflection methodologies

Sugimoto, Y., Radice, G. and Sanchez, J.P. (2011) Effects of neo composition on deflection methodologies. In: 2011 IAA Planetary Defense Conference, Bucharest, Romania, 9-12 May 2011,

Abstract

NEO hazard mitigation is currently an area of interest and a number of different deflection strategies (nuclear interceptor, kinetic impactor, mass driver, low-thrust propulsion, solar or laser ablation, gravity tractor, etc.) have been proposed. Deviation methods such as nuclear interceptor or kinetic impactor which physically interact with the asteroid and solar concentrators which volatilize surface materials are strongly dependant on not only the physical characteristic but also the chemical constitution and properties of the asteroid. It is therefore crucial that a sufficiently comprehensive analysis of the chemical properties of target asteroids is performed to enhance any hazard mitigation mission. Although ground-based or space-based NEOs observations are capable of identifying basic physical properties of asteroids (mass, size, mean density, porosity, albedo, etc), specific chemical compositions -olivine, metal, feldspar, orthopyroxene, etc.- can be accurately determined only by close proximity observations or in-situ sampling and analysis. This however may not always be feasible particularly when lead times for a deflection mission are short. The focus of this paper is therefore to evaluate the robustness of different deviation methods to various NEO chemical compositions. Initially, the composition of Richardton meteorite is used as baseline NEO composition. Evidence Theory is then used to model uncertainties with regards to chemical compositions of the baseline asteroid and three deflection missions based on nuclear interceptor, kinetic impactor, and solar concentrator are modeled. Each deflection strategy is then applied to a set of virtual impactors (i.e. a variety of NEOs with different Keplerian elements). In this paper, the chemical composition of the set of virtual impactors is modified to investigate how NEO composition affects a change in deflection methodologies. Finally, the total asteroid velocity change and deflection distance achieved by each of these strategies are compared to evaluate the robustness of these strategies over a range of different asteroid chemical properties and different physical parameters which have a bearing on the deflection methodology, such as, for example, the rotational state of the asteroid.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Radice, Dr Gianmarco
• Authors: Sugimoto, Y., Radice, G., and Sanchez, J.P.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity