Publication
Physical Properties of Asteroid (10302) 1989 ML, a Potential Spacecraft Target, from Spitzer Observations
Mueller, M. & Harris, A. W., 1-Sep-2006, In : Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society. 38, p. 621Research output: Contribution to journal › Meeting Abstract › Academic

We report on results from recent Spitzer observations of near-Earth
asteroid (10302) 1989 ML, which is among the lowest-ranking objects in
terms of the specific momentum Δv required to reach it from Earth.
It was originally considered as a target for Hayabusa and is now under
consideration as a target of the planned ESA mission Don Quijote.
Unfortunately, little is known about the physical properties of 1989 ML,
in particular its size and albedo are unknown. Its exhibits an X type
reflection spectrum, so depending on its albedo, 1989 ML may be an E, M,
or P type asteroid.
Provisional results from thermal-infrared observations carried out with
Spitzer indicate that the albedo of 1989 ML is compatible with an M- or
E-type classification. We will discuss our results and their
implications for the physical properties and the rotation period of 1989
ML, and its importance as a potential spacecraft target.
This work is based on observations made with the Spitzer Space
Telescope, which is operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory,
California Institute of Technology under a contract with NASA.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 621 |
Journal | Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society |
Volume | 38 |
Publication status | Published - 1-Sep-2006 |
Event | 38th DPS meeting of the American Astronomical Society, 2006 - Pasadena, California, United States Duration: 8-Oct-2006 → 13-Oct-2006 |
Event
38th DPS meeting of the American Astronomical Society, 2006
08/10/2006 → 13/10/2006
Pasadena, California, United StatesEvent: Conference
ID: 20904350