Seismometer to Investigate Interior Asteroid Structure

Relevance: Seismic studies provide definitive knowledge of internal planetary structure. Despite several missions to small bodies, current knowledge of their interiors is still inferred and unknown in detail. Direct knowledge of the internal structure via seismology can address this knowledge gap and constrain theories about asteroid formation and evolution—a priority goal in the Planetary Science and Astrobiology decadal strategy for 2023-2032 [Origins, Worlds, and Life 2022]. Knowledge of asteroid interiors is vital for establishing mitigation techniques for hazardous near-Earth objects and exploring in-situ natural resources. Methodology: To investigate asteroid interiors, we propose to raise the TRL of a Silicon Audio broadband seismic instrument—with a similar noise floor and sensitivity to the Insight VBB—from 4 to 6. The original instrument is a novel combination of a classic seismometer and a laser interferometer. Micron-scale movements of an internal mass are recorded as induced current, while the laser system records submicron-scale motions. This allows for a small (<400 g), sensitive (1x10-8 m/s2/Hz1/2) broadband (0.01-100Hz) seismic instrument that is competitive with state-of-the-art planetary seismometers. The 3-axis instrument is insensitive to tilt over 180º. Here we pursue a redesign of this system, improving its sensitivity and enabling it to capture predicted seismic signals on asteroids. We will accomplish this by enlarging the sensor proof-mass and updating the internal spring system We will also pursue subsurface deployment using a ballistic penetration technique in partnership with Honeybee Robotics. Subsurface deployment is accomplished by a penetrator whose shape and mass are optimized to puncture through surface regolith below the diurnal skin depth. This approach is similar to the proposed Lunar-A mission concept led by the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) and NASA's launched Deep Space 2 probe. Burial will enable lower noise and power by automatically creating an isothermal environment while improving seismic coupling. The proposed effort will demonstrate seismic sensor implantation to several centimeters depth via simulation and a microgravity environment test. We will advance the deployment mechanism from TRL 4 to TRL 6. Objectives: 1) Raise the TRL of the low-noise broadband Silicon Audio optical three-axis seismometer from 4 to 6. 2) Demonstrate burial with the Honeybee system raising the TRL from 4 to 6.

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