Analysis of Low $\Delta V$ Spacecraft Missions to Oort Cloud Comet C/2014 UN$_{271}$

TL;DR

This paper explores low delta-V spacecraft mission options, including flyby and rendezvous, to comet C/2014 UN$_{271}$ (Bernardinelli/Bernstein), utilizing various propulsion and gravitational assist strategies for efficient interplanetary travel.

Contribution

It presents novel trajectory planning methods for reaching the large Oort cloud comet UN$_{271}$ with minimal delta-V, considering different propulsion and assist options.

Findings

Viable low delta-V trajectories identified for flyby and rendezvous.

Jupiter-powered gravitational assists enhance mission feasibility.

Use of NASA SLS enables efficient mission profiles.

Abstract

Comet C/2014 UN$_{271}$, alternative designation 'BB' after its discoverers 'Bernardinelli/Bernstein', and commonly referred to as UN$_{271}$, is an extreme case on two fronts, firstly its solar distance on discovery ($>$ 29 au) and secondly the size of its nucleus (137$\pm$ 15 km). With an aphelion distance of $\sim$33,000 au (w.r.t. the solar system barycentre) and an orbital period $\sim$2 million years, it is definitely an object from the solar system's Oort cloud, and also by a good measure the largest Oort cloud object ever observed. In situ observation of UN$_{271}$ would be of considerable scientific importance. Unlike most Oort cloud comets which have been discovered for the first time only as they near the inner solar system, UN$_{271}$ was discovered early enough to provide adequate advanced warning to plan for such a mission. In this paper we describe the various methods for reaching UN$_{271}$ during the period around its perihelion and ecliptic plane passage, with both flyby and rendezvous options; exploiting direct transfers, Jupiter powered gravitational assists (GA) or alternatively a series of GAs of the inner planets. Viable flyby and rendezvous trajectories are found, especially using the NASA Space Launch System (SLS) as the launch vehicle.