Small body shape modeling based on Gaussian random sphere hypothesis

Small body shape has played an important role in the planning of deep space mission to a small body. Considering the numbers and precision, the real solar system small body shapes were constructed before they couldn't satisfy the present requirements. Based on the Gaussian random sphere hypothesis, a small body shape modeling method was proposed. By sorting the surface points into levels, new points completely depended on their higher-level neighbors and specified through fractal theory. Surface features such as craters and rocks were analyzed, and then the addition methods of these two kinds of characters were described. Finally, a set of simulated images based on the constructed shape model were used to illustrate the efficiency of the modeling method.