Abstract Interstellar objects are a category of comets and asteroids that offer a unique scientific opportunity to answer fundamental scientific questions about the origin of solar system volatiles, the compositions of exo-solar systems, and the transfer rates of material between solar systems. However, they are also difficult to reach due to their high energy and the minimal lead time afforded by current detection infrastructure. This investigation presents the stationary satellite, or statite, concept as a method to enable rendezvous missions with extended stays at these important targets of study. Through the use of a high-performance solar sail, the statite spacecraft is able to maintain a stationary position with respect to the Sun, thus maintaining a state with a high potential energy. Upon detection, it reorients its sail and enters into a controlled fall towards the Sun, by which it obtains a high velocity to match the trajectory of the target. The applicability of this approach is assessed on rendezvous missions to the two known interstellar objects: ‘Oumuamua and Borisov. Counter examples based upon electrically propelled spacecraft characterize the potential improvement in response time and mission duration offered by the statite concept. Based on the expected population of detectable objects, conclusions are drawn regarding flight times to the target population. The analysis includes trajectories that transfer the statite from the Earth to strategic locations to await interstellar targets.
Highlights Statites are solar sails with performance equivalent to the Sun’s gravity. Interstellar objects are fast-moving, high-energy targets with great scientific value. The energy needed for rendezvous is obtained by departing from a stationary state. Expensive plane changes are eliminated by starting from the target’s orbital plane. Full coverage of possible targets may be achieved with a widespread constellation.
High-performance solar sails for interstellar object rendezvous
Acta Astronautica ; 200 ; 242-252
2022-07-30
11 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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