Why two missions are targeting the same cruise liner-size asteroid set to zoom by Earth

The Dual Mission to Intercept a Cruise Liner-Sized Asteroid:

In the vast expanse of outer space,

scientific discovery

and

planetary defense

intertwine in a mesmerizing dance. This intriguing relationship was amplified when NASA announced its intention to embark on an audacious mission: intercepting a cruise liner-sized asteroid.

Scientific Discovery:

The primary objective of this mission was to expand human knowledge about asteroids and their compositional, structural, and physical properties.

Planetary Defense:

The secondary, yet equally significant, objective was to test and improve the planetary defense capabilities against potential asteroid threats.

The chosen asteroid, 1998 QE2, was approximately 300 meters wide and had a close approach to Earth in May 2036. This mission, known as the Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM), was initially planned for launch in 2016 aboard an Orion spacecraft and a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The mission involved capturing a small boulder from the asteroid’s surface and redirecting it into lunar orbit, allowing astronauts to study the boulder up close. However, due to budget constraints and schedule delays, this mission was eventually cancelled and replaced by a robotic version called DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test).

Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) refer to celestial bodies that come closer to Earth’s orbit than the Moon. These objects include asteroids and comets, ranging in size from a few meters up to several kilometers in diameter. The significance of NEOs lies in their potential risks and consequences if they were to collide with Earth. A direct impact could lead to devastating effects, including massive destruction and loss of life.

The Focused Asteroid:

One such NEO that has recently garnered significant attention is 2011 UW158. This asteroid, approximately 450 meters in diameter, has an orbit that brings it relatively close to Earth’s path. It is currently classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA) due to its size and proximity.

Size and Dimensions:

2011 UW158 is estimated to be around 450 meters in diameter, making it approximately the size of a mountain. Its shape and composition are still being studied, but initial observations suggest it is likely to be an elongated, irregularly-shaped body.

Orbit and Trajectory:

2011 UW158’s orbit brings it closer to Earth than the geostationary satellites. At its closest approach, which occurs every 1.6 years, it comes within about 27 million kilometers of Earth – roughly one-tenth the distance to the Moon. Despite its close approach, the asteroid’s trajectory currently indicates no imminent threat to Earth.

Missions Targeting 2011 UW158:

Two separate missions, NASA’s DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) and ESA’s Hera, are currently planned to target 2011 UW158. DART is set to impact the asteroid in September 2022, while Hera will study the aftermath of the collision and gather vital data on the asteroid’s size, shape, composition, and internal structure. These missions aim to advance our understanding of NEOs and provide crucial information that could ultimately help protect Earth from potential future impacts.

Scientific Reasonings behind the Missions

Advancements in Space Exploration and Technology

Space missions to asteroids are driven by the continuous advancements in space exploration and technology.

Capabilities of current spacecrafts and telescopes

With the development of more advanced and reliable spacecrafts, such as NASA’s Perseverance Rover and ESA’s Rosetta Mission, we are now capable of traveling further into the solar system than ever before. Additionally, improvements in telescope technology have enabled us to detect and characterize asteroids with greater accuracy.

New technologies and innovations

Innovations like ion propulsion systems, autonomous navigation, and advanced imaging techniques have expanded our capabilities in space exploration. These technologies allow us to reach asteroids that were previously unreachable and gather more detailed information about their composition and structure.

Scientific Objectives

The primary scientific objectives of asteroid missions are centered around asteroid composition analysis and structural characterization.

Asteroid Composition Analysis

Mineralogical studies: By analyzing the mineralogical composition of asteroids, we can gain insights into the conditions of the early solar system. This knowledge can help scientists understand the formation and evolution of planets and other celestial bodies.
Water and volatiles detection: Detecting water and volatiles on asteroids is essential for understanding the potential for these bodies to originate life or harbor extraterrestrial life. Water has been detected on some asteroids, such as Ceres, which opens up new possibilities for further exploration and research.

Structural Characterization

Shape, size, and surface features: Determining the shape, size, and surface features of asteroids is crucial for understanding their origin, evolution, and interaction with other celestial bodies.
Internal structure and geological history: Gaining insights into an asteroid’s internal structure and geological history can provide valuable information about the early solar system and the processes that shaped it.

International Collaboration and Competition

Space exploration missions to asteroids represent a unique blend of international collaboration and competition. Joint efforts among different countries and organizations are essential for expanding scientific knowledge and advancing technology in space exploration. At the same time, national pride and space exploration ambitions drive competition among these entities to be at the forefront of new discoveries and technological advancements.

I Planetary Defense: Reasons for the Missions

Identification and Characterization of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs)

Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs), as defined by NASA, are asteroids that could come closer to the Sun than 0.05 astronomical units (AU) or approximately 4.6 million miles from Earth, and have a size larger than about 140 meters in diameter. These asteroids pose a potential threat to our planet due to their proximity and size. Early detection and warning systems for PHAs are crucial for planetary defense. If an asteroid impact were imminent, advance notice would provide time for preparations and potential mitigation measures.

Technological Developments for Deflection or Disruption

Gravity tractor and solar sail technologies

Advancements in technological developments for deflection or disruption of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) include the use of gravity tractors and solar sails. A gravity tractor is a spacecraft that uses its gravitational attraction to alter the trajectory of an asteroid, while a solar sail utilizes solar radiation pressure for propulsion. These technologies could be employed for steering an asteroid away from Earth’s orbit without causing harm.

Kinetic impactors and nuclear devices

Additionally, kinetic impactors and nuclear devices are being considered as potential methods for asteroid deflection. A kinetic impactor involves sending a spacecraft into collision with the NEO, altering its course. Nuclear devices could be used to vaporize or fracture an asteroid, changing its trajectory. However, the use of nuclear weapons for such purposes raises ethical and environmental concerns.

Preparation for future missions to mitigate potential threats from NEOs

Preparations for future missions to mitigate potential threats from NEOs include developing contingency plans and designing and testing deflection technologies. Governments, international organizations, and private enterprises are working together to build a global network of telescopes and observatories for monitoring NEOs. Furthermore, collaborative research programs focus on improving detection capabilities, as well as developing innovative solutions to deflect or disrupt potentially hazardous asteroids before they pose a threat to Earth.

Comparison of the Two Missions

Two prominent missions have been planned to intercept and study asteroids: NASA’s DART (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) mission from the United States, and ESA’s (European Space Agency) Hera mission from Europe. Both missions have significant goals and involve international cooperation in the field of space exploration.

Overview of each mission:

• DART: Launched on November 23, 2021, by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USIts primary goal is to demonstrate the ability to deflect an asteroid by crashing a spacecraft into it.
• Hera: Expected to launch in 2024, Hera is a European Space Agency mission designed as an international follow-up to NASA’s DART mission. Its primary goals are to observe the effect of the impact created by DART on the asteroid and gather data for future missions.

Similarities between the missions:

1. Scientific objectives:: Both missions aim to contribute significantly to the scientific community’s understanding of asteroids’ composition and behavior, as well as validating computational models used for risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
2. Technological advancements and collaboration:: Both missions involve international cooperation with multiple organizations, including NASA, ESA, and various national space agencies. They also represent technological advancements in the field of asteroid deflection and interplanetary exploration.

Differences between the missions:

1. Approach to intercepting the asteroid:: DART uses a kinetic impactor approach, meaning it will intentionally crash into the asteroid to change its trajectory. Hera, on the other hand, employs a flyby approach where it observes the aftermath of DART’s impact.
2. Key scientific objectives:: While both missions share the common goal of studying the asteroid’s composition and behavior, DART focuses on demonstrating deflection capabilities, whereas Hera concentrates on observing the effects of an impact.
3. Budget, timeline, and resources:: DART has a significantly smaller budget compared to Hera, with an estimated cost of $325 million. It also has a shorter timeline as it launched earlier and will complete its mission before Hera even launches.

Conclusion

Summary of the importance of the missions: The recent Mars rover missions, such as Perseverance and Ingenuity, represent a significant leap forward in our understanding of the Red Planet. These missions have not only provided valuable data about Mars’ geology, climate, and potential for past life, but they have also demonstrated advanced technologies like terrestrial drills and helicopter flight in the thin Martian atmosphere. The successful landing of the Chinese Tianwen-1 orbiter, rover, and lander mission in May 2021 further highlights the international collaboration and competition in space exploration.

Future implications for space exploration and planetary defense:

The findings from these missions could pave the way for future human missions to Mars, potentially leading to the establishment of a sustained human presence on another planet. Moreover, the advancements in technology and knowledge gained from these missions can be applied to other areas of space exploration, such as lunar resource utilization and asteroid mining. Furthermore, the data collected from Mars could help us understand the potential risks of planetary contamination and the importance of planetary defense, particularly with regard to near-Earth objects (NEOs).

Potential challenges, risks, and solutions:

However, there are still numerous challenges and risks associated with space exploration and planetary defense that need to be addressed. For instance, the high costs and technological complexities of deep-space missions require significant international cooperation and investment. There are also potential risks associated with human spaceflight, such as the psychological and physiological challenges of long-duration missions, radiation exposure, and the possibility of accidents or emergencies. To mitigate these risks, ongoing research and development efforts are necessary to improve propulsion technologies, life support systems, and other essential infrastructure for space exploration and planetary defense.

Encouragement for continued international cooperation and investment:

It is essential that nations continue to collaborate on space exploration and planetary defense initiatives, both for scientific discovery and practical applications. The sharing of knowledge, resources, and expertise can lead to more efficient and effective missions while reducing costs and minimizing redundancies. Additionally, increased investment in space research and development is crucial for advancing our understanding of the universe and ensuring the long-term sustainability of humanity. Together, we can continue to explore the unknown, overcome challenges, and push the boundaries of what is possible.

video