Navigation evaluation for fast interstellar object flybys

Abstract With the discovery of 1I ’Oumuamua and 2I Borisov, interstellar objects (ISOs) have been thrust into the forefront of planetary science, and the robotic exploration of ISOs is now of significant interest. With current propulsion technology, rendezvous with these objects is likely infeasible, and thus the maximum science return results from a combination of flyby spacecraft and impactor spacecraft, as demonstrated by the Deep Impact encounter with comet Tempel 1. Interstellar objects by nature have hyperbolic orbits and pass through the inner solar system at extreme velocities, which presents several unique challenges to navigation. This paper first establishes the possible encounter space intercepts with ISOs may present. We then evaluate the ability for intercepting spacecraft to navigate to ISOs and autonomously track/impact targets across the possible encounter space, depending on key navigation hardware such as camera and attitude determination system.