The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt's Scientific Objectives

The primary focus is on unraveling the mysteries surrounding water-rich asteroids, aiming to address three fundamental questions

• Origins of Volatile-Rich Asteroids: EMA seeks to ascertain the birthplaces of volatile-rich asteroids within the solar system.
• Surface Evolution and Environmental Impact: By studying how the space environment influences asteroid surfaces over time, EMA aims to gain insights into the evolutionary processes at play.
• Chemical Inventories and Main Belt Evolution: EMA aims to analyze the chemical composition of asteroids to shed light on the evolution of the main belt and the movement of water throughout the solar system.

To achieve these goals, the mission has outlined specific scientific investigations

• Geologic History and Volatile Content: EMA will determine the geological history and volatile content of multiple main belt asteroids. It will delve into the interior structure of the primary rendezvous target to unravel its secrets.
• Surface Evolution and Thermophysical Properties: ByBy assessing temperatures and thermophysical properties on multiple asteroids, EMA aims to understand their surface evolution and the history of volatile substances.

Additional Information

In addition to these objectives, the mission will collect remote-sensing data from a representative selection of asteroids. This comprehensive approach enables a more holistic understanding of the diverse range of asteroids encountered during the mission, leading to enhanced scientific insights and discoveries.