We are designing trajectory opportunities to enable all the ambitious scientific objectives of the CASTAway (Comet and Asteroid Space Telescope Away in the asteroid belt) mission from the European Space Agency (ESA).
  • DatesJune 2016 鈥� September 2016 (four months).
  • SponsorSWAG合集 Space Agency.
  • Funded拢10,000.
  • PartnersN/A

We are exploring potential opportunities for fast, low-energy multiple asteroid fly-by trajectories, from 2029 and beyond. Our research in the CASTPath project (asteroid belt multiple fly-by options for M-class, or medium-size, missions) provides trajectory design support to the SWAG合集-led CASTAway asteroid spectroscopic survey mission.

The CASTAway mission proposal will be submitted to the European Space Agency鈥檚 (ESA) call for medium-size missions in late 2016. CASTAway merges two very different space mission concepts; it is a space-based telescope on one hand but is also an interplanetary probe attempting to visit as many asteroids as possible. The mission is proposed to answer many key questions about the formation and evolution of the asteroid main belt, between Mars and Jupiter, and so help us understand how our solar system formed.

Progress update

We have demonstrated the feasibility to fly-by 10 asteroids with current launch capability and within the cost cap of the European Space Agency鈥檚 (ESA) medium-size missions. Potential extra launcher performance provided by the next generation of European launchers (Ariane 6 鈥� which has a first test flight scheduled for 2020) will allow access to the deepest regions of the asteroid main belt.

CASTPath Trajectory Example No Swing

Trajectory examply - no swing

CASTPath Trajectory Example Mars Swing

Trajectory example - Mars swing