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  • Camilla: A centaur reconnai...
    Howell, Samuel M.; Chou, Luoth; Thompson, Michelle; Bouchard, Michael C.; Cusson, Sarah; Marcus, Matthew L.; Smith, Harrison B.; Bhattaru, Srinivasa; Blalock, John J.; Brueshaber, Shawn; Eggl, Siegfried; Jawin, Erica R.; Miller, Kelly; Rizzo, Maxime; Steakley, Kathryn; Thomas, Nancy H.; Trent, Kimberly R.; Ugelow, Melissa; Budney, Charles J.; Mitchell, Karl L.; Lowes, Leslie

    Planetary and space science, 12/2018, Letnik: 164
    Journal Article

    Centaurs, minor planets with a semi-major axis between the orbits of Jupiter and Neptune (5–30 AU), are thought to be among the most diverse small bodies in the solar system. These important targets for future missions may have recently been Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs), which are thought to be chemically and physically primitive remnants of the early solar system. While the Kuiper Belt spans distances of 30–50 AU, making direct observations difficult, Centaurs' proximity to the Earth and Sun make them more accessible targets for robotic missions. Thus, we outline a mission concept designed to reconnoiter 10199 Chariklo, the largest Centaur and smallest ringed body yet discovered. Named for a legendary Centaur tamer, the conceptual Camilla mission is designed to fit under the cost cap of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) New Frontiers program, leveraging a conservative payload to support a foundational scientific investigation to these primitive bodies. Specifically, the single flyby encounter utilizes a combined high-resolution camera/VIS-IR mapping spectrometer, a sub-mm point spectrometer, and a UV mapping spectrometer. In addition, the mission concept utilizes a kinetic impactor, which would provide the first opportunity to sample the composition of potentially primitive subsurface material beyond Saturn, thus providing key insights into solar system origins. Such a flyby of the Chariklo system would provide a linchpin in the understanding of small body composition, evolution, and transport of materials in the solar system. Display omitted •Flyby concept for 10199 Chariklo, the largest Centaur and smallest ring system.•Opportunity to learn about Kuiper Belt Objects much closer to Earth.•Impactor would provide deepest yet subsurface sampling in the outer Solar System.•Mission concept fits well within NASA New Frontiers Program cost cap.•Mission concept may fit within NASA Discovery Program cost cap.