FOLLOWING SUNGRAZING COMETS EXPLORATION OF A MISSION CONCEPT

This paper investigates a space mission concept that consists of a spacecraft following a sungrazing comet along its orbit while consistently remaining within the shadow of the object. By locating the spacecraft within the shadow of the comet at its L2 equilibrium point, the spacecraft can be shielded from the immense radiation of the Sun. This concept provides a new vantage point to observe comet/Sun interactions while investigating the effects of outgassing and exploring the physical consequences of close perihelion passage. Shadow sizing, calculation of the L2 point, station-keeping methods, and temperature analysis are examined.