Rotational excitation and damping as probes of interior structures of asteroids and comets

Abstract

Rotational excitation and damping are discussed in the context of inferring structural properties of asteroids and comets. Opportunities for carrying out deterministic experiments are outlined and basic concepts involving space missions are discussed. Spacecraft carrying an impactor or explosives together with an orbiter are suggested as effective probes of the interiors of asteroid and comets. The feasibility of such missions, especially to near-Earth objects (NEOs), is highlighted as NEOs provide an appropriate cost-effective path to explore interiors of asteroids and comets.