Detection of Near-Earth Asteroids Using the LISA Spacecraft

In this project, I will examine a secondary of the European Space Agency's future space mission, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), as an asteroid detection device. To this end, I will create a simulation of the LISA spacecraft and an asteroid with variable mass and orbit. To analyze the model and the detection of the asteroid, I will measure the gravitational acceleration of each individual spacecraft due to the asteroid using the orbital parameters of various known asteroids. Using this data, I will examine the influence of mass and closest-approach distance on the gravitational force applied to the spacecraft. Based on my simulation results and analysis, I will determine the validity of this use case of LISA. If LISA can reasonably be used in this manner, I will report the limitations found in testing. With a positive yield of data, this project can contribute to filling NASA's Small-Body Database and give LISA the secondary purpose of detecting asteroid threats to Earth.