Dynamics of a Small Body Around Asteroid (29075) 1950DA

Abstract

This thesis presents a comprehensive study on the dynamics of a small body aroundthe near-Earth asteroid (29075) 1950 DA. The research focuses on developing accurate gravitational models for irregularly shaped small bodies, utilizing the Mass Concentration (MASCON) method and verifying this with previous works on the asteroid (99942) Apophis. The results demonstrate the validity of the MASCON model implemented in this work. The model is then used to analyze the orbital dynamics around 1950 DA, identifying possible resonance and periodic orbits around the asteroid. The study forms a preliminary mission design to the asteroid 1950DA, focusing on equilibrium points, capture orbits, scanning orbits, and potential landing sites. No equilibrium point was found, yet ΔV analysis was performed for the preliminary mission design showing the viability of any future mission to the asteroid. The study also examines the possibilities of utilizing machine learning to reduce the models computational load, while highlighting the significant errors the reduced model has. Finally the study examines the rotation dynamics of the asteroid and its impact on the asteroids composition and possible ring formation around the equatorial plane.