Advancing Asteroid Surface Simulations and Missions Using An On-Orbit Centrifuge Laboratory Without Reaction Wheels

Leonard D. Vance, Jekan Thangavelautham, Steven Schwartz, Erik Asphaug

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The recent explorations of near-Earth asteroids Ryugu and Bennu provide surprises regarding the physics of regolith in rubble pile asteroids. The OSIRIS-REx sample and return activity discovered that what appears to be a solid surface is quite fragile, exemplified by OSIRIS-REx not even registering contact while the sample and return mechanism pushed down some 48cm below the surface. The Asteroid Origins Satellite+ (AOSAT+) mission proposes to address the physics of low gravity regolith using centripetal acceleration to reproduce a microgravity laboratory in low earth orbit, including vibration and impact experiments to understand the physics accretion and deflection. To eliminate the vibration environment due to reaction wheels, the satellite is stabilized with torque rods only, using anticipative genetic optimization. This provides a low vibration rotational environment that closely mimics that seen on rubble pile asteroids. A payload comprising a chamber partially filled with crushed meteorite chondrite regolith provides a simulated surface upon which manipulative experiments can be completed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication19th IAA Symposium on Building Blocks for Future Space Exploration and Development 2021 - Held at the 72nd International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2021
PublisherInternational Astronautical Federation, IAF
ISBN (Electronic)9781713843139
StatePublished - 2021
Event19th IAA Symposium on Building Blocks for Future Space Exploration and Development 2021 at the 72nd International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2021 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Duration: Oct 25 2021Oct 29 2021

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC
VolumeD3
ISSN (Print)0074-1795

Conference

Conference19th IAA Symposium on Building Blocks for Future Space Exploration and Development 2021 at the 72nd International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2021
Country/TerritoryUnited Arab Emirates
CityDubai
Period10/25/2110/29/21

Keywords

  • Asteroid
  • genetic optimization
  • microgravity
  • regolith

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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