The purpose of this study was to define the a communication subsystem architecture (including both ground and space segments, as well as operational methods) that allows robust RF TT&C links during superior solar conjunction phases. The defined architecture shall ensure robust and reliable links in scintillation regimes (i.e. at low SEP angles) where TT&C links are nowadays degraded, leading to occasional link interruptions. Similarly, the defined architecture shall ensure that at even higher scintillation regimes (i.e.

The Asteroid Impact Mission (AIM) is a candidate ESA mission to the binary Near-Earth Asteroid (65803) Didymos. While its main objective is to demonstrate new technologies for future deep-space missions, AIM will also characterise for the first time a binary asteroid system, providing an understanding of its formation and of the origin of the Solar System.