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Title: Binary and Multiple Systems
Primary Author: Andrew F. Cheng
Secondary Author(s): Andrew Rivkin, Patrick Michel, Carey Lisse, Kevin Walsh, Keith Noll, Darin Ragozzine, Clark Chapman, William Merline, Lance Benner, Daniel Scheeres
Institution: Johns Hopkins University/ Applied Physics Laboratory
Summary: A sizable fraction of small bodies is found in binary or multiple systems. Understanding the formation processes of such systems is critical to understanding collisional and dynamical evolution. Missions can offer enhanced science return if they target binaries or multiples. [FINAL version]
Panel Selection: Primitive Bodies: Asteroids, comets, Phobos, Deimos, Pluto/Charon and other Kuiper belt objects, meteorites, and interplanetary dust.
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These documents have been prepared in coordination with the National Academies of Science in support of the National Academies Planetary Science Decadal Survey. These documents are being made available for information purposes only, and any views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of NASA, JPL, or the California Institute of Technology.