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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Acta Astronauticaarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Acta Astronautica
Article . 2021 . Peer-reviewed
License: Elsevier TDM
Data sources: Crossref
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Asteroid control through surface restructuring

Authors: Manfred Ehresmann;

Asteroid control through surface restructuring

Abstract

Abstract A novel concept for asteroid orbit control by restructuring asteroid surfaces to manipulate albedo and respective radiation pressure effects is introduced. The method itself is propellant-less allowing for prolonged operation and permitting the adaption and even reversing reflection changes. Microscopic restructuring of asteroid surface material allows further for asymmetric manipulation of reflective properties, which can be exploited for influencing orbit and attitude parameters. Asymmetric radiation pressures are well known for their ability to change the orbit of an asteroid through the Yarkovsky effect or rotational parameters by the YORP effect. It is shown that in the simplest form albedo manipulation of a solid surface asteroid can be achieved with a single spacecraft mission. A spacecraft will locally focus energy from a very low (pseudo-)orbit onto the asteroids surface. One technology candidate are CO2 laser systems, while other options exist. First, CO2 laser are used as conventional laser engravers to brighten mineralic and metallic surfaces. Second, CO2 laser cleaning systems are often used to remove silicate residue of industrial processes. It is calculated that an asteroid with a high albedo will experience significantly less Yarkovsky forces, resulting in reduced orbit drift and improved future predictability. Laser technology can further be exploited to create surface structures that represent an asymmetric saw tooth pattern (i.e. repeating sharp right triangles) by using femto second laser pulses or by an angled focal point. This asymmetric surface pattern leads to an angular dependent reflectivity, which can be exploited to create radiation pressure differences. When properly applied, countering spin-rate changes and rotation axis drift of the YORP effect is possible. A preliminary analysis indicates feasibility for a medium size probe equipped for laser treatment of Near Earth Object surfaces.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
5
Top 10%
Top 10%
Top 10%
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