Abstract
Icarus is a mission concept designed to record the activity of an asteroid during a close encounter with the Sun. The primary science goal of the mission is to unravel the nontrivial mechanism(s) that destroy asteroids on orbits with small perihelion distances. Understanding the destruction mechanism(s) allows us to constrain the bulk composition and interior structure of asteroids in general. The Icarus mission does not only aim to achieve its science goals but also functions as a technical demonstration of what a low-cost space mission can do. The proposed space segment will include a single spacecraft capable of surviving and operating in the harsh environment near the Sun. The spacecraft design relies on the heritage of missions such as Rosetta, MESSENGER, Parker Solar Probe, BepiColombo, and Solar Orbiter. The spacecraft will rendezvous with an asteroid during its perihelion passage and records the changes taking place on the asteroid’s surface. The primary scientific payload has to be capable of imaging the asteroid’s surface in high resolution using visual and near-infrared channels as well as collecting and analyzing particles that are ejected from the asteroid. The payload bay also allows for additional payloads relating to, for example, solar research. The Icarus spacecraft and the planned payloads have high technology readiness levels and the mission is aimed to fit the programmatic and cost constraints of the F1 mission (Comet Interceptor) by the European Space Agency. Considering the challenging nature of the Icarus trajectory and the fact that the next F-class mission opportunity (F2) is yet to be announced, we conclude that Icarus is feasible as an F-class mission when certain constraints such as a suitable launch configuration are met. A larger mission class, such as the M class by the European Space Agency, would be feasible in all circumstances.
Highlights
We present a mission concept that aims to identify the mechanisms that drive the observed activity on asteroids with small perihelion distances and eventually destroy them.For more than two decades it was thought that most near-Earth asteroids are eventually destroyed in a collision with the Sun [1]
We presented the science case for a rendezvous mission to an asteroid, that has a perihelion distance of ∼ 0.2 au, and described the scientifically interesting measurements that would have to be obtained during the asteroid’s perihelion passage to meet the science objectives
The preliminary Icarus design presented is a proof-of-concept to determine if the mission is feasible considering European Space Agency (ESA) F-class constants and existing flight proven technology
Summary
We present a mission concept that aims to identify the mechanisms that drive the observed activity on asteroids with small perihelion distances and eventually destroy them. We are aware of observation programs that have recently been initiated to look for comet-like activity on asteroids with small q These programs will likely increase the sample of potentially interesting mission targets. The Phaethon flyby will occur at a heliocentric distance r ∼ 1 au and Phaethon has never shown any activity at that distance from the Sun. the DESTINY+ mission is unlikely to provide direct evidence about the mechanism which causes the observed activity during Phaethon’s perihelion passage. Icarus will rendezvous with a suitable asteroid – chosen based on the launch date and trajectory – at a heliocentric distance r ∼ 0.7 au, follow it through the perihelion passage at r ∼ 0.2 au, and continue until r ∼ 0.7 au again.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.