Mission Analysis for the Don Quijote Phase A Study

Paper number

IAC-07-A3.5.08

Author

Mr. Juan L. Cano, DEIMOS Space S.L., Spain

Coauthor

Mr. Mariano Sánchez Nogales, DEIMOS Space S.L., Spain

Coauthor

Mrs. Noelia Sanchez Ortiz, DEIMOS Space, Spain

Coauthor

Ms. Stefania Cornara, DEIMOS Space S.L., Spain

Year

2007

Abstract

The Don Quijote Phase A study is a definition study funded by ESA and devoted to the analysis of the possibilities to deflect a Near Earth Object (NEO) in the range of 300-800 m diameter. Deimos Space S.L. and EADS Astrium have teamed up within this study to form one of the three consortia that are analyzing these aspects with ESA.

The mission is based on the use of two spacecraft: the first one will be an Orbiter which will make use of solar electric propulsion to reach the target asteroid. Once the Orbiter has arrived to the asteroid, the Impactor spacecraft will be launched to arrive to the target with relative velocities in excess of 10 km/s. In the meanwhile, the Orbiter will characterize the target asteroid orbit, shape, gravity field and properties to enable a precise determination of the achieved deflection when the Impactor hits the asteroid. Orbiter is also meant to release a surface package on the asteroid for in-situ ground experimentation.

Target asteroids for the mission are 1989ML, 2002AT4 and Apophis (this one only for the Orbiter).

Deimos Space has been in charged of the mission analysis activities within the consortium providing: low-thrust interplanetary rendezvous Orbiter trajectories to the target asteroids, ballistic interplanetary trajectories for the Impactor, stable orbits characterization at the asteroid, deflection determination analyses by means of a Radio science experiment (RSE) as well as a wealth of other mission results as delta-V budgets, mission timelines, etc.

This paper regards the interplanetary mission design from Orbiter launch up to Orbiter end of operations. Such timeline includes the operations of the Impactor, its collision at the target and the RSE experimentation phases.

Abstract document

IAC-07-A3.5.08.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-A3.5.08.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.