On the minimum orbital intersection distance computation: a new effective method

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new iterative method for efficiently and accurately computing the Minimum Orbital Intersection Distance (MOID), crucial for identifying hazardous asteroids and space debris.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel iterative approach that improves speed and precision in MOID calculations compared to existing methods.

Findings

Method achieves higher accuracy in less time.

Applicable to asteroid hazard assessment and space debris monitoring.

Enhances safety protocols for space missions.

Abstract

The computation of the Minimum Orbital Intersection Distance (MOID) is an old, but increasingly relevant problem. Fast and precise methods for MOID computation are needed to select potentially hazardous asteroids from a large catalogue. The same applies to debris with respect to spacecraft. An iterative method that strictly meets these two premises is presented.