Impacts of free-floating objects: Unique space station experiments

Abstract

The transfer of momentum and kinetic energy between planetary bodies forms the basis for wide ranging problems in planetary science ranging from the collective long term effects of minor perturbations to the catastrophic singular effect of a major collision. Although the collisional transfer of momentum and energy was discussed over the last two decades, major issues remain that largely reflect current limitations in Earth based experimental conditions and 3-D numerical codes. Two examples with potential applications in a Space Station laboratory, are presented: asteroid spin rates and orientations, and planetary disruption/spin rates. Asteroid spin rate and orientation experiments are needed wherein free floating nonspining and spining objects of varying strength, porosity, and volatility are impacted at varying velocities and angles. A space station platform also could provide an opportunity to test important facets of planetary disruption/spin rate models by allowing freely suspended spherical targets of varying viscosities, internal density gradients, and spin rates