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Artificial Crater Formation on Satellite Surfaces Using an Orbiting RailgunThe specification of greater than 45kW of disposable power available on the JIMO spacecraft raises the possibility of a new class of instrumentation that has utility at such power levels. In this presentation we discuss the concept of an electromagnetic mass driver that can launch projectiles from orbit around one of the Galilean satellites directed on a trajectory that will impact the satellite surface. The resulting impact will create a crater that will provide information on the mechanical properties of surface and near-surface materials, expose subsurface materials for remote spectral identification, and form a vapor cloud that can be sensed for composition either remotely or in-situ. An analog for such a controlled cratering experiment is Deep Impact, a mission to observe the crater and ensuing ejecta cloud formed by a ballistic projectile into a comet surface in July, 2005.
Document ID
20030066030
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Dissly, R. W.
(Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp. Boulder, CO, United States)
Miller, K. L.
(Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp. Boulder, CO, United States)
Carlson, R. J.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2003
Publication Information
Publication: Forum on Concepts and Approaches for Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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