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NASA NTRS · 20150004636

Deflection Missions for Asteroid 2011 AG5

Grebow, Daniel·Landau, Damon·Bhaskaran, Shyam·Chodas, Paul·Chesley, Steven·Yeomans, Don·Petropoulos, Anastassios·Sims, Jon
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Abstract

The recently discovered asteroid 2011 AG5 currently has a 1-in-500 chance of impacting Earth in 2040. In this paper, we discuss the potential of future observations of the asteroid and their effects on the asteroid's orbital uncertainty. Various kinetic impactor mission scenarios, relying on both conventional chemical as well as solar-electric propulsion, are presented for deflecting the course of the asteroid safely away from Earth. The times for the missions range from pre-keyhole passage (pre-2023), and up to five years prior to the 2040 Earth close approach. We also include a brief discussion on terminal guidance, and contingency options for mission planning.

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Grebow, Daniel, Landau, Damon, Bhaskaran, Shyam, Chodas, Paul, Chesley, Steven, Yeomans, Don, Petropoulos, Anastassios, Sims, Jon. 2012-10-29. Deflection Missions for Asteroid 2011 AG5. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20150004636

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