GNC Design for asteroid orbit modification missions

Abstract

This paper shows the GNC design process for a mission aiming to find, approach andmodify the orbit of a small asteroid. A large number of such bodies are orbiting the Sun in our Solar System, and some of them might become a real threat for the Earth during next few decades. While the size of the asteroid, besides its orbit, greatly determines the attention that should be given to any specific body, it is also necessary to start developing the concepts and technologies required to face these kind of challenges. For this purpose, these small asteroids represent a good training opportunity, since they allow testing the intended orbit modification principles with reasonable mission/system needs and with no impact risk for the Earth.