Snatching a probe of a genuine near-earth asteroid: fast sample return opportunity in the frame of RAMSES mission scenario

Abstract

A mission to return a sample of (99942) Apophis would provide a unique opportunity to collect and return a regolith sample from a NearEarth asteroid (NEA) as it passes very close to Earth [1,2]. ESA is currently investigating the possibility of an orbiter, as part of the RAMSES mission study, to fly close to (99942) Apophis before it makes its closest approach to Earth on 13 April 2029, with the aim of observing the tidal and magnetospheric effects on the NEA during this close flyby [3]. Later, the asteroid will be well observed by the OSIRIS-APEX (or OSIRISREx Extended Mission to Asteroid Apophis) mission [4]. At present, none of these missions or mission studies are investigating the possibility of sample return with a very short duration sample return leg, requiring only a tiny additional momentum to return to Earth. We will present the results of a forthcoming concurrent engineering (CE) study on the feasibility of a sample return capsule based on “now-term technology” available from the space industry and the necessary mandatory mechanical, electrical and software interfaces based on the experience gained from previous small asteroid projects.