A proposed space observatory designed to detect gravitational waves may also serve as a precise instrument for weighing asteroids. New research indicates the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) could measure the mass of asteroids by tracking their gravitational influence on spacecraft trajectories.
Mass is one of the most critical yet difficult properties of an asteroid to determine. It governs the potential impact energy of a collision and the resource value of a space rock. Traditional methods rely on optical observations and density estimates based on spectral data.
LISA's ultra-sensitive laser interferometry could allow scientists to detect the tiny gravitational tug an asteroid exerts on passing spacecraft. This would provide a direct mass measurement, bypassing the need for density assumptions. The technique would be especially valuable for near-Earth asteroids.
If implemented, this dual use of LISA could revolutionize asteroid characterization. It would enhance planetary defense assessments and improve resource prospecting for future mining missions. The research opens a path to gathering mass data on hundreds of objects.
Some experts caution that the accuracy of this method depends on how closely spacecraft fly by asteroids, which may limit its application to only the most well-tracked targets.