A Fast Response Mission to Rendezvous with an Interstellar Object

TL;DR

This paper proposes a rapid-response solar sail mission concept to intercept and study interstellar objects within the solar system, leveraging recent small satellite and solar sail technologies for quick deployment and high-velocity rendezvous.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mission design combining solar sails and small satellites for fast ISO interception, enabling early scientific observations and potential sample return.

Findings

Mission could reach an ISO within 10 AU from the Sun.

Utilizes proven small satellite and solar sail technologies.

Potential to provide unique data on ISO origin and composition.

Abstract

A solar sail propelled small satellite mission concept to intercept and potentially rendezvous with newly discovered transient interstellar objects (ISOs) is described. The mission concept derives from the proposal for a technology demonstration mission for exiting the solar system at high velocity, eventually to reach the focal region of the solar gravitational lens. The ISO mission concept is to fly a solar sail toward a holding orbit around the Sun and when the ISO orbit is confirmed, target the sailcraft to reach an escape velocity of over 6 AU/year. This would permit rapid response to a new ISO discovery and an intercept within 10 AU from the Sun. Two new proven interplanetary technologies are utilized to enable such a mission: i) interplanetary smallsats, such as those demonstrated by the MarCO mission, and ii) solar sails, such as demonstrated by LightSail and IKAROS missions and developed for NEA Scout and Solar Cruiser missions. Current technology work suggests that already within this decade such a mission could fly and reach an ISO moving through the solar system. It might enable the first encounter with an ISO to allow for imaging and spectroscopy, measurements of size and mass, potentially giving a unique information about the object's origin and composition. A similar approach may be used to allow for a sample return.