DESTINY+

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DESTINY+ (Demonstration and Experiment of Space Technology for INterplanetary voYage, Phaethon fLyby, and dUst Science) is a planned interplanetary space mission by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), aimed at studying both interplanetary dust and the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. The mission is notable for its dual objectives: to conduct a flyby of asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which is believed to be the parent body of the Geminid meteor shower, and to enhance our understanding of the characteristics and distribution of interplanetary dust.

Mission Overview

DESTINY+ is designed to carry out a detailed investigation of 3200 Phaethon, a peculiar asteroid with a comet-like orbit, which brings it closer to the Sun than any other named asteroid. The mission's objectives include analyzing the asteroid's composition, structure, and the dust environment surrounding it. Additionally, DESTINY+ aims to test advanced space technology, which could pave the way for future interplanetary missions.

The spacecraft is expected to employ a high-velocity impactor to generate an artificial crater on Phaethon's surface. This experiment is designed to reveal the subsurface composition of the asteroid and provide insights into its physical properties. The mission will also carry dust analyzers to study the properties of interplanetary dust particles along its trajectory.

Scientific Goals

The scientific goals of DESTINY+ are multifaceted:

• To understand the nature and origin of asteroid 3200 Phaethon, including its surface composition and the mechanisms driving its activity.
• To study the distribution, composition, and physical properties of interplanetary dust in the inner solar system.
• To demonstrate and validate new space technologies that could be critical for future deep-space exploration missions.

Spacecraft and Instruments

The DESTINY+ spacecraft will be equipped with a suite of scientific instruments tailored to achieve its mission objectives. These instruments include cameras for surface imaging, spectrometers for compositional analysis, and dust analyzers to study the interplanetary dust environment. The spacecraft's design also incorporates advanced propulsion systems to navigate the challenging environment of deep space.

Mission Timeline

The launch of DESTINY+ is planned for the mid-2020s, with a flyby of 3200 Phaethon scheduled a few years after launch. The mission timeline includes a period for cruise and approach, followed by the critical flyby phase, during which the spacecraft will collect data on Phaethon and its dust environment. After its primary mission objectives are completed, DESTINY+ may continue to study other interplanetary dust phenomena and potentially other celestial bodies, depending on its remaining operational capabilities and mission extensions.

Significance

The DESTINY+ mission represents a significant step forward in our understanding of the dynamic processes that shape our solar system. By studying 3200 Phaethon and interplanetary dust, scientists hope to gain insights into the origins of water and organic materials on Earth, which are essential for life. Furthermore, the mission's technology demonstrations will contribute to the development of future missions to explore the solar system's farthest reaches.