Proximity Operations about Apophis through its 2029 Earth Flyby by Daniel J. Scheeres. on Monday 21 November

The dynamics and control of a satellite in proximity to the asteroid Apophis

across its Earth close approach in 2029 is evaluated and investigated. First,

the feasibility of carrying out close proximity operations about Apophis when

in its heliocentric orbit phase is evaluated and shown to be feasible. Then

three different types of close proximity motion relative to Apophis are

analyzed that will enable a spacecraft to take observations throughout the

Earth close approach. These are maintaining a relative orbit that is somewhat

distant from Apophis, hovering along the Earth-Apophis line, or maintaining

orbit about Apophis through the flyby. Each of these are shown to be feasible,

albeit challenging, and some basic aspects of these operations are noted and

discussed.

arXiv: http://arxiv.org/abs/http://arxiv.org/abs/2211.10903v1