In 2014, the first interstellar object known to mankind hit the Earth and sunk inthe Pacific Ocean. Two more objects were observed shortly after in 2017 and 2019.
Interstellar objects are believed to be planetesimals or chunks of rock that were
knocked off planetary bodies during the formation and early evolution processes
of neighboring solar systems in the Milky Way. As a result, they are believed to
contain a great wealth of data that could further our understanding of exoplanets,
extra-solar systems and the formation of our solar system. Carrying out a mission
to an ISO would enhance our knowledge of near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and allow
us to develop a more effective planetary defense system.
This thesis explores different techniques and technologies that would simplify
our approach to such endeavor
