Can I Launch a Spacecraft to Intercept the Interstellar Object 3i/Atlas?

Interstellar objects passing through our solar system make a brief journey around the sun before heading back into deep space. While astronomers can capture images of comet 3i/Atlas traversing our universe, is there a possibility of intercepting this object?

Researchers globally are investigating several strategies, including repurposing European Space Agency (ESA) missions and rerouting existing NASA endeavors to intervene. However, the task is complicated by the comet’s speed of 60 km/sec and the limited preparation time available.

One notable proposal comes from Avi Loeb at Harvard University, who suggests that the interstellar object “Umuamua is akin to an alien spacecraft; I made a similar assertion regarding 3i/Atlas.” Loeb and his team have published a paper, which, despite not being peer-reviewed, indicates that NASA’s Juno spacecraft could adjust its orbit around Jupiter to rendezvous with 3i/Atlas on March 14th next year.

Nonetheless, this idea faces challenges. Mark Burchell from the University of Kent emphasizes the aging spacecraft’s limitations. Launched in 2011, Juno was initially slated to end its mission with a collision into Jupiter’s surface in 2021, which has been delayed until September this year. It has already experienced two technical issues this year, both resolved by engineers.

“The current orbit allows for closer views of Jupiter and a pass by Io [Jupiter’s moon] in 2023. By 2024, it will be exposed to significant radiation, which is unsurprising given the performance anomalies observed that necessitate a restart,” Burchell explains. “If those modifications are successful and the instruments function properly, there might be valuable data to acquire.”

In a post on X, Jason Wright from Penn State has also voiced skepticism regarding this concept, highlighting that the spacecraft has limited fuel and systematic engine issues.

Another potential avenue to observe 3i/Atlas closely is through the ESA’s Jupiter Ice Moon Explorer (Juice). Luca Conversi from ESA mentions that they are considering this possibility. “We acknowledge this valuable opportunity and are currently assessing the technical feasibility. However, we can’t divulge too much at this stage,” Conversi states.

Despite Juice being closer to 3i/Atlas than Earth, it cannot alter its course towards the comet. “I’m uncertain if redirecting it to a comet is practical. Astrodynamics is far more complex than depicted in science fiction films, and altering a spacecraft’s trajectory is quite challenging,” comments Conversi.

Presently, several spacecraft, including Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Mars Odyssey, are in orbit around Mars and nearing the end of their operational lifespans. Research conducted by Michigan State University and colleague Atsuhiro Yaginuma suggests that while this method has advantages, it’s unclear whether these spacecraft possess sufficient fuel for such a journey.

The ESA is developing another mission aimed at improving the chances of approaching interstellar objects in the future. The Comet Interceptor spacecraft, scheduled for launch in 2029, is set to await the discovery of comets or interstellar objects that can be targeted at a stable position between Earth and the Sun, facilitating exploration. These missions are rare, as scientists often do not know what the target will be or its appearance timeline.

Colin Snodgrass at the University of Edinburgh, who serves as the deputy lead of the Comet Interceptor, elaborates that this mission would “require a bit of additional maneuverability” to effectively intercept fast-moving objects like 3i/Atlas. For these swift visitors, he suggests a broader mission with a streamlined payload. “If the goal is simple speed, minimize non-essential equipment and prioritize fuel mass,” he advises.

Another future concept involves deploying small satellites in large orbits monthly. “This would distribute them across Earth’s orbit,” Snodgrass explains. “At any time, one of them could return to Earth and leverage gravity to navigate to interesting locations.”

Astrometric endeavors, such as the legacy investigation of space and time, could quickly enhance our understanding of the frequency of these objects entering our solar system, improving prior warnings about their arrival. “When they are moving rapidly, timely notifications can make a significant difference. Instead of providing alerts months ahead of perihelion, having earlier warnings will significantly impact our response,” Snodgrass remarks.