An On-Orbit CubeSat Centrifuge for Asteroid Science and Exploration

摘要: There are thousands of asteroids in near-Earth space and millions expected the Main Belt. They diverse their physical properties compositions. also time capsules early Solar System making them valuable for planetary science, strategic resource mining, defense/security as interplanetary depots. But we lack direct knowledge geophysical behavior an asteroid surface under milligravity conditions, therefore landing on manipulating its material remains a daunting challenge. Towards this goal putting forth plans 12U CubeSat that will be Low Earth Orbit operate spinning centrifuge on-orbit. In paper, present overview systems engineering instrumentation design spacecraft. Parts contain laboratory recreate conditions by containing crushed meteorite. The spin at 1 to 2 RPM during primary mission simulate km smaller, followed extended where spacecraft even higher RPM. result is bed realistic regolith, environment landers diggers maybe astronauts interact with. configured with cameras, lasers, actuators small mechanical instruments both observe manipulate regolith low simulated gravity conditions. A series experiments measure general behavior, internal friction, adhesion, dilatancy, coefficients restitution other parameters can feed into dynamics simulations. Effective varied, external forces applied. These facilities require significantly less resources budget maintain, operating LEO, compared voyages deep space. This means maintain persistent presence relevant without having go there. Having asteroid-like centrifuges LEO would serve important tactical preparing maintaining readiness, when missions delayed or individual programs get cancelled.