In:
Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 2, No. S236 ( 2006-08), p. 417-426
Abstract:
We investigate upon the change of an asteroid orbit caused by an impact. We find that, given the assumption of two dimensional motion, the asteroid displacement may be described by an analytic and explicit expression that is the vectorial sum of a radial component and a component along the asteroid velocity. The new formulation bridges the gap between the study of short-term effects, using numerical methods and the analytic study of secular changes of the asteroid orbit. The relation of the method to the established formulations is described and the known results are derived as limiting cases. The application of the new method for the performance evaluation of an asteroid deflection demonstration mission is illustrated. In such a mission the measurement of the change of the asteroid orbit by an impact will be conducted by radio-ranging to a spacecraft orbiting the deflected asteroid. Hence the measurement will primarily be sensitive to the deflection projected onto the Earth-asteroid line of sight. We discuss how the new formulation of the deflection can conveniently be employed for the estimation of the measurement accuracy and the optimal planning of a deflection demonstration mission.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1743-9213
,
1743-9221
DOI:
10.1017/S1743921307003511
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
2006
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2170724-8
SSG:
16,12
