Effects of impact and target parameters on the results of a kinetic impactor: predictions for the double asteroid redirection test (DART) mission
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft will impact into the asteroid Dimorphos on 2022 September 26 as a test of the kinetic impactor technique for planetary defense. The efficiency of the deflection following a kinetic impactor can be represented using the momentum enhancement factor, β, which is dependent on factors such as impact geometry and the specific target material properties. Currently, very little is known about Dimorphos and its material properties, which introduces uncertainty in the results of the deflection efficiency observables, including crater formation, ejecta distribution, and β. The DART Impact Modeling Working Group (IWG) is responsible for using impact simulations to better understand the results of the DART impact. Pre-impact simulation studies also provide considerable insight into how different properties and impact scenarios affect momentum enhancement following a kinetic impact. This insight provides a basis for predicting the effects of the DART impact and the first understanding of how to interpret results following the encounter. Following the DART impact, the knowledge gained from these studies will inform the initial simulations that will recreate the impact conditions, including providing estimates for potential material properties of Dimorphos and β resulting from DART's impact. This paper summarizes, at a high level, what has been learned from the IWG simulations and experiments in preparation for the DART impact. While unknown, estimates for reasonable potential material properties of Dimorphos provide predictions for β of 1–5, depending on end-member cases in the strength regime.
Date Issued
2022-11-04
Date Acceptance
2022-09-12
Citation
The Planetary Science Journal, 2022, 3 (11), pp.248-248
ISSN
2632-3338
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Start Page
248
End Page
248
Journal / Book Title
The Planetary Science Journal
Volume
3
Issue
11
Copyright Statement
© 2022. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society. Original content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
License URL
Identifier
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/PSJ/ac91cc
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2022-11-04