Proposed Earth based cratering experiments at low G in hard vacuum

In order to address the question of whether the cratering scale which was developed can be extrapolated to low velocity (of planetesimals appropriate for conditions during accretion of the planets and the impact mechanics of encounters of both asteroids and the solid objects which comprise the rings of the outer major planets), a series of experiments at low gravity and at high vacuum are proposed. Specific issues which could be addressed include: the effect of very low gravity on cratering efficiency and final crater shape; and the dynamics of impact into a strengthless spherical and ellipsoidal liquid target.