Estimation of necessary laser power to deflect near-Earth asteroid using conceptual variable-laser-power ablation

Abstract

In this research, the necessary laser power to deflect a near-Earth asteroid (NEA) is estimated using a future conceptual variable-laser-power ablation technique. The required necessary laser power is approximated by the established system dynamics that considers a conceptual on-board laser tool, which can vary the laser power output within a certain range to ablate an object's surface. Using established system dynamics, the necessary laser power (both the maximum and minimum values), action direction and action duration with respect to various action start times are successfully estimated. These estimates are significantly lower than those assumed in previous studies. In addition, the effectiveness of deflections using a time-varying laser power within a certain range by controlling both laser action directions is discussed. The method described in this work is expected to be useful in approximating the necessary laser power with regard to various operation start times for future deflection missions with space-based laser ablation tools provided by any type of power source.