SABRCOMETs

SABRCOMETs, or Small Asteroid Binary Reconnaissance and Characterization Missions, are a series of proposed space missions aimed at studying small binary asteroid systems. These missions are part of NASA's broader effort to understand the composition, structure, and dynamics of small bodies in the solar system. The primary goal of SABRCOMETs is to gather detailed information about the physical properties of these binary asteroids, including their sizes, shapes, masses, and orbital parameters.

The missions involve sending spacecraft to rendezvous with small binary asteroids, which are pairs of asteroids that orbit each other due to their mutual gravitational attraction. By studying these systems, scientists hope to gain insights into the formation and evolution of small bodies in the solar system, as well as the potential hazards they may pose to Earth.

SABRCOMETs are designed to be relatively low-cost missions, utilizing existing spacecraft technologies and mission architectures. The missions typically involve a spacecraft that approaches the binary asteroid system, performs a series of close flybys, and collects data using a suite of scientific instruments. These instruments may include cameras, spectrometers, and radar systems, which are used to study the asteroids' surfaces, compositions, and internal structures.

The data collected by SABRCOMETs is expected to contribute to our understanding of the solar system's history and the processes that shape small bodies. Additionally, the missions may provide valuable information for future asteroid deflection or resource utilization efforts, as understanding the properties of binary asteroids is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate potential impacts or exploit their resources.