Abstract
In order to evaluate the scientific feedback of a spaceborne radar in the frame of future space missions towards the asteroids, we present a method able to calculate mono-dimensional or two-dimensional simulations of the surface of any asteroid, or of the Moon.
A first set of results related to statistical geometrical properties of the surface, i.e. height and slope distributions, etc..., is given. Discussion shows that these results are in good agreement with observational data obtained from Earth for the Moon and for a few asteroids. In particular, we find r.m.s. slopes much greater on big asteroids than on the Moon.
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Thouvenot, E. Estimation of statistical geometrical properties of the surface of asteroids from simulations. Earth Moon Planet 48, 1–34 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00115065
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00115065