November 10, 2008
The European Space Agency's Rosetta spacecraft made a flyby of asteroid 2867 Šteins, providing valuable data and images of the asteroid.
Paris, France | European Space Agency
On September 5, 2008, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Rosetta spacecraft successfully executed a flyby of asteroid 2867 Šteins, providing a wealth of valuable data and images. This event marked a significant milestone in the Rosetta mission, which was primarily designed to study comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.
Rosetta Mission: Launched on March 2, 2004, the Rosetta spacecraft was an ambitious mission by the ESA aimed at studying comets and asteroids to better understand the early solar system. The mission’s primary target was comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, but it also included flybys of two asteroids: 2867 Šteins and 21 Lutetia.
Asteroid 2867 Šteins: Discovered in 1969 by Soviet astronomer Nikolai Chernykh, Šteins is a relatively small asteroid in the main asteroid belt, with an approximate diameter of 5 kilometers. It is classified as an E-type asteroid, known for its high albedo and silicate-rich composition.
Date and Distance: The flyby occurred on September 5, 2008, with Rosetta passing within approximately 800 kilometers (about 500 miles) of Šteins at a relative speed of 8.6 kilometers per second.
Objectives: The flyby aimed to gather detailed images and data on the asteroid’s composition, shape, and surface features. This information was crucial for understanding the characteristics of E-type asteroids and their role in the solar system.
Shape and Surface: The images captured by Rosetta revealed that Šteins has a diamond-like shape with a prominent ridge running along its equator. The surface appeared to be covered with numerous small craters, indicating a history of impacts.
Composition: Analysis of the data confirmed that Šteins is an E-type asteroid, characterized by a high albedo and a surface rich in silicate minerals. This composition is relatively rare among asteroids, making Šteins an interesting subject for study.
Scientific Impact: The flyby provided critical insights into the nature of small bodies in the solar system, contributing to the broader understanding of asteroid composition and evolution. The data collected helped refine models of asteroid formation and the processes that shape their surfaces.
Rosetta’s Journey: Following the successful flyby of Šteins, Rosetta continued its journey through the solar system, eventually reaching its primary target, comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, in 2014. The mission concluded with a controlled impact on the comet’s surface in 2016.
Legacy: The flyby of 2867 Šteins demonstrated the capabilities of the Rosetta spacecraft and contributed valuable knowledge to the field of planetary science. It underscored the importance of studying small celestial bodies to gain insights into the history and dynamics of our solar system.
The Rosetta mission, including its encounter with Šteins, remains a landmark achievement in space exploration, showcasing the potential of international collaboration in advancing our understanding of the cosmos.
Source: www.esa.int