Program: GS-2015A-Q-13

Title:Mission Accessible Near-Earth Objects Survey (MANOS) (South)
PI:Nicholas Moskovitz
Co-I(s): David Trilling, Eric Christensen, Michael Busch, Paul Abell, Michael Person, Mark Willman, Richard Binzel, Francesca Demeo, David Polishook, Cristina Thomas

Abstract

Although the past decade has seen exponential growth in the number of known near-Earth objects (NEOs), a representative sample of physical properties for sub-km NEOs does not exist. This information is essential to understanding formational and evolutionary processes in the Solar System, accurate impact hazard assessment, and assuring preparedness for future planetary exploration missions. We propose a three year survey with a regular cadence of spectroscopic and photometric observations to obtain compositional and rotational information for newly discovered, mission accessible NEOs smaller than 100 meters. This will produce a database of roughly 300 objects, representing an unexplored size regime over an order of magnitude smaller than previous studies. This unprecedented data set will (1) provide new insight into fundamental Solar System processes such as space weathering, planetary encounters, and radiation pressure forces, (2) forge new links between asteroids and meteorites, and (3) provide key selection criteria for future planetary missions. This survey is a major component in a complementary NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute proposal (PI D. Trilling).

Publications using this program's data