McInnes, C.R. (2004) Deflection of near-Earth asteroids by kinetic energy impacts from retrograde objects. Planetary and Space Science, 52 (7). pp. 587-590. ISSN 0032-0633
Full text not available in this repository. (Request a copy from the Strathclyde author)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.
| Item type: | Article |
|---|---|
| ID code: | 5031 |
| Keywords: | near earth asteroids, non-nuclear deflection, solar sailing, orbital mechanics, Mechanical engineering and machinery, Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics |
| Subjects: | Technology > Mechanical engineering and machinery Technology > Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics |
| Department: | Faculty of Engineering > Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering |
| Related URLs: | |
| Depositing user: | Strathprints Administrator |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Dec 2007 |
| Last modified: | 29 May 2012 09:58 |
| URI: | http://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/5031 |
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