Global-scale Reshaping and Resurfacing of Asteroids by Small-scale Impacts, with Applications to the DART and Hera Missions

Abstract

We use a novel approach to model the entire cratering process resulting from impacts on small, weak asteroids that uses shock physics code calculations directly. We found that small-scale impacts (with a projectile size less than 1/150 of the target size) can significantly deform weak asteroids, causing global resurfacing at the same time. As a result, the collisional lifetime of the overall asteroid shapes is significantly lower than the traditionally used lifetime based on catastrophic disruption events. We also show that even very low asteroid cohesions can drastically influence the outcome of an impact. Consequently, if the target is homogeneous and weaker than ≈10 Pa, then NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test impact on Dimorphos may not lead to a cratering event, as originally anticipated. Rather, the impact may change the global morphology of the asteroid. Our results, together with future observations by the ESA’s Hera mission, will provide constraints regarding the evolution of the shapes and structures of small asteroids by subcatastrophic impacts.