Approach to exploring interstellar objects and long-period comets
2019
This paper aims to identify the best approaches for exploring planetary bodies with very
long orbital periods, i.e., bodies that approach Earth only once in a lifetime. This includes
long-period comets (LPCs), and the newly discovered classes of Manx comets and interstellar
objects (ISOs). Long-period comets are high scientific value targets, as indicated
in the current Planetary Science Decadal Survey. Interstellar objects open the fascinating
possibility to sample exoplanetary systems. Manxes hold the key to resolving long-time
questions about the early history of our solar system. Specific strategies need to be implemented
in order to approach bodies whose orbital properties are at the same time extreme
and unpredictable. As ground-based telescope capabilities are greatly improving, it
will soon become possible to detect LPCs more than ten years before they reach perihelion.
On the other hand, the non- or weakly active Manx comets and ISOs require reactive
exploration strategies. All of these bodies offer many challenges for close proximity observations
that can be addressed by the deployment of multi-spacecraft architectures. We
describe several concepts that leverage the many advantages offered by distributed sensors,
fractionated payload, and various mother-daughter configurations to achieve high
impact science within the reach of low-cost missions.
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