Options in the solar system for planetary surface exploration via hopping

This paper provides an initial overview of the capabilities of hopping vehicles, and examines planetary bodies in the solar system which might be amenable to exploration via hopping. A hopping vehicle is one which uses ballistic propulsive action, rather than ground contact or action on a surrounding fluid, to propel itself
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. The paper examines how gravity levels, atmospheric densities, and surface characteristics affect the attractiveness of a planetary body to hopping missions. An initial catalogue of planetary bodies where hopping missions could take place is provided.