Near Earth asteroid mission design for 2000 SG344

In this study, methodologies and capabilities for mission trajectory design to asteroid 2000 SG344 are investigated. Design of orbital trajectories for interplanetary space flight requires application of principles from orbital mechanics including three dimensional orbital element description, orbit propagation, asteroid ephemerides, targeting logic, relative motion dynamics, and numerical algorithm implementation. The study research attempted to assemble and integrate these various topics to achieve a general capability to conduct asteroid mission trajectory design. Further, appropriate methodology including selection of assumptions and models, computation process and flow, and design metrics and trades to achieve a practical and effective trajectory design process are considered in the study. A specific case study is considered where a family of near Earth asteroids is reviewed, several candidate asteroids are noted for potential exploration, and a final selection of a single asteroid is made, followed by a specific mission trajectory design search and selection to this asteroid, accounting for mission requirements and constraints. The case study focuses on asteroid 2000 SG344.