NEAR Shoemaker Mission Launch - February 17, 1996

On February 17, 1996, NASA launched the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) Shoemaker spacecraft on a mission to study the asteroid 433 Eros. This mission marked a significant milestone in space exploration as it was the first mission specifically designed to orbit and land on an asteroid.

Background

The NEAR Shoemaker mission was part of NASA’s Discovery Program, which aimed to conduct low-cost, highly focused scientific investigations. The spacecraft was named in honor of Dr. Eugene Shoemaker, a pioneering geologist and planetary scientist known for his work on impact craters and his contributions to the study of asteroids and comets.

Mission Objectives

The primary objectives of the NEAR Shoemaker mission were to:

• Orbit and study the near-Earth asteroid 433 Eros.
• Collect detailed measurements of Eros’s size, shape, mass, composition, and surface properties.
• Improve our understanding of the characteristics and behavior of asteroids, which are considered remnants from the early solar system.

Key Events Leading Up to the Launch

• Development and Construction: The spacecraft was developed by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) and was equipped with a suite of scientific instruments, including a multispectral imager, X-ray/gamma-ray spectrometer, and a laser rangefinder.
• Launch Vehicle: NEAR Shoemaker was launched aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Mission Timeline

• Launch: February 17, 1996.
• Earth Flyby: January 1998, to gain a gravitational boost for its journey to Eros.
• Rendezvous with Eros: The spacecraft successfully entered orbit around Eros on February 14, 2000.
• Surface Landing: On February 12, 2001, NEAR Shoemaker made a historic controlled descent and landed on the surface of Eros, continuing to send data back to Earth.

Scientific Achievements

• Surface Mapping: NEAR Shoemaker provided detailed images and maps of Eros’s surface, revealing its complex geology and numerous craters.
• Composition Analysis: The spacecraft’s instruments analyzed the elemental composition of Eros, providing insights into its mineralogy and the processes that shaped it.
• Mass and Density Measurements: The mission determined the asteroid’s mass and density, contributing to our understanding of its internal structure.

Aftermath and Significance

The NEAR Shoemaker mission was a resounding success, achieving all its primary objectives and significantly advancing our knowledge of asteroids. The data collected helped scientists better understand the nature of these celestial bodies and their potential impact on Earth. The mission also paved the way for future asteroid exploration missions, highlighting the importance of studying these remnants of the early solar system.

The NEAR Shoemaker mission remains a landmark achievement in space exploration, demonstrating the feasibility of orbiting and landing on an asteroid and providing invaluable data that continues to inform scientific research today.