This area will cover relevant news of the threat to the planet from Near Earth Objects (NEOs) including concepts and designs for mitigation. All opinions are those of the author.

21 November 2010

Paper: "On the deflection of asteroids with mirrors"

Paper on the "mirror bees" asteroid mitigation concept.

"On the deflection of asteroids with mirrors"
Massimiliano Vasile and Christie Alisa Maddock, CELESTIAL MECHANICS AND DYNAMICAL ASTRONOMY, Volume 107, Numbers 1-2, 265-284, DOI: 10.1007/s10569-010-9277-3

Abstract: This paper presents an analysis of an asteroid deflection method based on multiple solar concentrators. A model of the deflection through the sublimation of the surface material of an asteroid is presented, with simulation results showing the achievable impact parameter with, and without, accounting for the effects of mirror contamination due to the ejected debris plume. A second model with simulation results is presented analyzing an enhancement of the Yarkovsky effect, which provides a significant deflection even when the surface temperature is not high enough to sublimate. Finally the dynamical model of solar concentrators in the proximity of an irregular celestial body are discussed, together with a Lyapunov-based controller to maintain the spacecraft concentrators at a required distance from the asteroid.

Link: Springer article reference

Link: planetarydefense.blgospot.com Google Docs library

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