Abstract
Previous studies of non-nuclear diversion of near Earth asteroids have largely ignored the use of pure kinetic energy impacts, partly due to apparent limits on impact speeds of 10-15 km s−1. Here, I will consider the use of a near-term solar sail to deliver an inert projectile onto a retrograde solar orbit, thus raising impact speeds to at least 60 km s−1. Such high-energy orbits increase the energy liberated during impact by a factor of 40 or more, while reducing the required projectile mass by at least 95%. This considerable reduction in projectile mass allows kilometre-sized asteroids to be diverted with current launch vehicles, near-term technologies and at a cost comparable to a modest deep space mission.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 587-590 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Planetary and Space Science |
Volume | 52 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2004 |
Keywords
- near earth asteroids
- non-nuclear deflection
- solar sailing
- orbital mechanics