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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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.
| Author(s): | McInnes, C.R. | 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: | 12 Jul 2019 02:38 |
| URI: | https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/5031 |
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