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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 October 2009
Introduction
Mitigation and detailed characterization of asteroids and comets require some period of close proximity operations about them. To support close proximity operations requires an understanding of dynamics of natural material on and about small bodies, and the dynamics, navigation, and control of artificial objects on and about small bodies. In this chapter we discuss some of the controlling issues that relate to close proximity operations, and draw connections between this issue and the design of spacecraft and mission concepts to carry out close proximity operations.
Since the field of astrodynamics and celestial mechanics is often considered to be a mature field, it is relevant to ask why the control of spacecraft about small solar system bodies is considered to be a difficult problem. There are a number of reasons for why this is the case, which we review here and explain in additional detail throughout this chapter. A clear rationale for why this is true can best be expressed through the following chain of facts.
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