Science planning for the DESTINY+ Dust Analyzer : leveraging the potential of a space exploration instrument

Abstract

The DESTINY+ Dust Analyzer (DDA) is a highly sophisticated planetary science instrument to provide cutting-edge in-situ characterization of individual cosmic dust grains, with respect to their composition, as well as their physical and dynamical properties. As such, it constitutes a critical component of the upcoming JAXA mission DESTINY+, which is scheduled to launch in 2025. After a three-year cruise phase, the spacecraft will perform a flyby of the target asteroid 3200 Phaethon, with the goal of observing the enigmatic Geminids parent body with two camera instruments, and sampling particles released from its surface with the DDA. Until that flyby, DESTINY+ will execute a highly diverse, ion-engine-driven flight plan that allows DDA to extensively study the dust environments of the Earth, Moon, and interplanetary space - a breadth of science opportunities that is unique to this mission and instrument. This dissertation provides a comprehensive study of the dust types and phenomena possibly encountered by DDA during its journey to Phaethon and applies the principles and methods of science planning to prepare for the operational phase of the mission. The work synthesizes technical considerations and scientific analyses of relevant cosmic dust populations, aiming to optimize DDA’s scientific potential. Detailed examinations of spacecraft and instrument factors, such as the dynamic spacecraft attitude during the near-Earth phase or the instrument’s two-axis pointing mechanism, lay the groundwork for the scientific planning. The thorough analysis of known (and lesser known) dust populations in the inner solar system and of previous relevant measurements by other dust instruments form the core of the study. Finally, the findings are consolidated into a draft science activity plan for the entire mission, as well as exemplary pointing timelines to be executed by the instrument for optimal scientific return. The latter is accomplished with the DOPE tool, which aids in intuitive and efficient planning of DDA observations, having been developed in the scope of this project. The presented work builds the foundation for the scientific operations of DDA, setting it up for a successful and scientifically impactful mission. The findings of this study also provide a valuable perspective for other ventures of in-situ dust astronomy to the inner solar system and contribute to the field of cosmic dust as a whole.