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Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)
We propose to develop new types of spacecraft instrumentation, data analysis, and imaging methods that enable mapping the interior of small solar system bodies (SSBs, e.g. asteroids, comet cores and near Earth objects) to unprecedented depth and detail. Our proposed method makes use of galactic cosmic ray (GCR) secondary particle shower products, such as pions and muons.
There are presently no established methods to directly characterize the interior structure and macroporosity of an asteroid or comet. Muography could provide a direct and cost-effective means of probing the interior density structure. Such information is important for planetary science, in situ resource utilization, mining, and planetary defense.
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