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Deflection of near-Earth asteroids by kinetic energy impacts from retrograde objects

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

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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, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Space and Planetary Science
Subjects: Technology > Mechanical engineering and machinery
Technology > Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics
Department: Faculty of Engineering > Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Depositing user: Strathprints Administrator
Date deposited: 20 Dec 2007
Last modified: 22 Mar 2019 03:06
URI: https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/5031
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