Mainbelt asteroid reconnaisance and sample return using solar electric propulsion

摘要

Reconnaisance of asteroids has thus far been accomplished on a limited scale. The scientific community has expressed interest in conducting long-term reconnaisance of multiple mainbelt asteroids and returning a sample from a mainbelt asteroid, with Ceres and Vesta the targets of greatest interest. This work presents results of preliminary feasibility studies of these missions. Since propellant requirements are prohibitively large with chemical propulsion, solar electric propulsion was assumed here. Multiple opportunities for Ceres/Vesta reconnaisance missions and Vesta sample returns were found which appear to be feasible in the next decade.