Pre-Phase A Proposal
SAO (Small Asteroid Orbiter) is the first-generation space probe developed for rapid asteroid observation missions within approximatelly 1.5 AU heliocentric distance-travel class. With an estimated wet mass of around 295 kg, it sits in the mini-probe category with compact design supporting flexible launch and rideshare options while still carrying meaningful scientific capability to determine global asteroid assesment.
It is planned to carry four scientific instruments designed to gather global data about the target asteroid to support further scientific research and give us a much clearer picture of the object we may eventually need to act on.
Estimated development cost: ~€35 million
Protecting our pale blue dot initiative