The micrometeoroid hazard to a space probe in the vicinity of the nucleus of Halley's comet.
Abstract
The micrometeoroid impact rate on the Halley probe is calculated as a function of the flyby distance. The number of meteoroid particles in specific log mass ranges, which will impact on a unit area of the leading surface of the probe are given. These numbers are compared with values obtained using the JPL model for the dust environment. The manner in which the impact rate varies as a function of distance along the flyby trajectory is also calculated. When producing a model of the environment in the inner coma of Comet Halley, two of the important parameters required in the calculation are the mass and the size of the central nucleus. The estimates that have been made of this mass are reviewed. Present opinion is that it lies in the range between 3 x 10 to the 16th power and 3 x 10 to the 19th power g. The density of this nucleus is probably around 1.1 g/cu.cm. The diameter of the body has been estimated to lie in the range between 4 and 75 km. This analysis indicates that 1.4 x 10 to the 17th power g and 6.2 km are reasonable values.
- Publication:
-
Comet Halley Micrometeoroid Hazard Workshop
- Pub Date:
- October 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979ESASP.153...51H
- Keywords:
-
- Comet Nuclei;
- Halley'S Comet;
- Meteoroid Hazards;
- Micrometeoroids;
- Particle Size Distribution;
- Cosmic Dust;
- European Space Programs;
- Flyby Missions;
- Nasa Programs;
- Particle Mass;
- Space Probes;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration;
- Comet 1910 II Halley;
- Comets:Space Missions