A Gravitational Tractor for Towing Asteroids

Details A Gravitational Tractor for Towing Asteroids A Gravitational Tractor for Towing Asteroids

2005-09-20

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0509595v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

4 pages, 1 figure - to be published in Nature

Scientific paper

We present a concept for a spacecraft that can controllably alter the
trajectory of an Earth threatening asteroid using gravity as a towline. The
spacecraft hovers near the asteroid with thrusters angled outward so the
exhaust does not impinge on the surface. This deflection method is insensitive
to the structure, surface properties, and rotation state of the asteroid.

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