The Importance of Plasma and Magnetic Investigations in Small Body Missions

M N Villarreal ,Christina Lee,J G O’rourke ,R Oran ,R J Lillis ,K Moore ,J G Luhmann ,C A Raymond

doi:10.3847/25c2cfeb.0acbe53a

Abstract

The Importance of Plasma and Magnetic Investigations in Small Body Missions

Highlights

In situ studies of small bodies reveal important clues to the history and early formation of the solar system, a prime objective of NASA’s Planetary Science Division (PSD)
Instrument suites for small body missions often consist of cameras, ultraviolet, visible and infrared spectrometers, thermal imagers, and gamma ray and neutron detectors to classify the mineralogy, geology, and physical characteristics of their planetary surfaces
Valuable information about a body’s internal structure and atmosphere can be gained by incorporating magnetometers, space plasma, and energetic particle instrumentation into the payload. While these types of instruments are typically solicited for planetary missions to bodies with magnetospheres and/or substantial atmospheres, they are seldom used in missions to small bodies

Summary

Introduction

In situ studies of small bodies reveal important clues to the history and early formation of the solar system, a prime objective of NASA’s Planetary Science Division (PSD). The evolution and dynamics of the heliospheric plasma environment throughout the solar system is a central concern of NASA’s Heliophysics Division (HPD), both for understanding fundamental plasma physics processes and for providing the scientific understanding that underpins space weather hazard forecasting for the Earth and space exploration In this white paper, we call attention to the synergy between planetary and heliospheric science that would occur by the inclusion of plasma and magnetic investigations in all planetary missions, including those to smaller bodies. Magnetic and plasma investigations onboard small body missions can provide insight into the target body’s internal structure and composition, planetary magnetism, atmospheric production and composition, and surface-plasma interactions while acting as solar wind monitors. Consistent incorporation of these investigations in small body missions (i.e. main belt asteroids, Syntax Error (31040): Missing 'endstream'. Magnetometers enhance our understanding of planetary interiors through 1) electromagnetic sounding which provides constraints on the internal layering and composition of the body and 2) identification of planetary magnetism which informs the formation and evolution of the interior

Investigations Inform Surface Processes and Atmospheric Production

How to Incorporate Magnetic and Plasma Investigations in Small Body Missions