Geophysical and orbital environments of asteroid 469219 2016 HO3

Asteroid 469219 Kamo’oalewa, also named 2016 HO3, is a small-size fast-rotating near-Earth asteroid, which is a potential target for future explorations. Owing to its weak gravity and fast spin rate, the dynamics on the surface or in the vicinity of 2016 HO3 are significantly different from those of planets or other small bodies explored in previous missions. In this study, the geophysical and orbital environments of 2016 HO3 were investigated to facilitate a potential mission design. First, the geometric and geopotential topographies of 2016 HO3 were examined using different shape models. The lift-off and escape conditions on its fast-rotating surface were investigated. Then, the periodic orbits around 2016 HO3 were studied in the asteroid-fixed frame and the Sun—asteroid frame considering the solar radiation pressure. The stable regions of the terminator orbits were discussed using different parameters. Finally, the influence of the nonspherical shape on the terminator orbits was examined. The precise terminator orbits around a real shape model of 2016 HO3 were obtained and verified in the high-fidelity model. This study shows that the polar region of 2016 HO3 is the primary region for landing or sampling, and the terminator orbits are well suited for global mapping and measurements of 2016 HO3. The analysis and methods can also serve as references for the exploration of other small fast-rotating bodies. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]