Comet nucleus sample return

Abstract

A comet nucleus sample return mission has been proposed for implementation near the end of this century. The objective of the mission is to collect a sample of undisturbed material from beneath the surface of an active comet and return it to earth in a minimally altered state. Potential targets include the short-period comets Encke, Tempel 2 and Wild 2. This article defines such a mission and describes its requirements with regard to science, sampling, thermal protection and performance. It has been determined that, with present launch capabilities, Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) is an enabling technology for this mission.