The NASA NEOWISE telescope has officially completed its mission, concluding over a decade of crucial work in planetary defense. This iconic spacecraft, initially launched to scan the infrared sky, has spent the last ten years tracking asteroids and comets that could potentially threaten Earth.
Here’s a look back at NEOWISE’s impressive journey and what comes next in NASA’s quest for planetary safety.
NEOWISE: A Decade of Discovery
NASA’s Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or NEOWISE, has been instrumental in identifying and tracking objects in our solar system. Launched in December 2009, the telescope was initially intended to carry out a seven-month mission. However, its role and lifespan extended far beyond expectations.
- Initial Mission: NEOWISE was designed to conduct an infrared survey of the sky, identifying celestial objects emitting strong infrared signals.
- Unexpected Longevity: Despite running out of coolant, which affected its infrared capabilities, NEOWISE continued its mission after being reactivated in 2013. Under the management of NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office, it was renamed NEOWISE.
Key Achievements of NEOWISE
NEOWISE’s mission has been marked by significant contributions to our understanding of the near-Earth environment. Here are some highlights:
- Asteroid and Comet Discoveries: NEOWISE played a vital role in identifying numerous asteroids and comets. Its observations provided valuable data on these celestial bodies, crucial for assessing potential impact threats.
- Enhanced Planetary Defense: The telescope’s observations have strengthened the United States’ planetary defense capabilities, allowing scientists to better understand and prepare for potential threats.
Laurie Leshin, NASA JPL Director, praised the NEOWISE team for their achievements: “The NEOWISE mission has been instrumental in our quest to map the skies and understand the near-Earth environment.”
The End of NEOWISE’s Mission
NASA officially retired NEOWISE on Thursday, sending the final command from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California. This decision was made because the spacecraft’s orbit around Earth had deteriorated to a point where it could no longer transmit useful data.
- Final Command: Engineers commanded NEOWISE to shut down its transmitter for the last time, marking the end of its planetary defense mission.
- Data Download: All remaining scientific data from NEOWISE has been successfully downloaded, ensuring that its legacy of discovery continues to benefit the scientific community.
What’s Next for Planetary Defense?
Even as we bid farewell to NEOWISE, NASA’s commitment to defending Earth from potential impact threats remains strong. The next step in this mission is the NEO Surveyor.
- Upcoming Mission: Scheduled for launch in September 2027, the NEO Surveyor will build on NEOWISE’s achievements by focusing on discovering and characterising potentially hazardous asteroids and comets.
- Enhanced Capabilities: This new mission is designed to advance NASA’s planetary defense efforts and improve our ability to detect and respond to potential threats within 30 million miles of Earth’s orbit.
Why NEOWISE Matters
NEOWISE’s retirement marks the end of an era, but its impact on our understanding of near-Earth objects and planetary defense will be felt for years to come. Here’s why NEOWISE’s work was so important:
- Improved Threat Detection: By identifying and tracking asteroids and comets, NEOWISE has enhanced our ability to predict and prepare for potential impacts.
- Scientific Advancements: The data collected by NEOWISE has contributed to a deeper understanding of the near-Earth environment, benefiting both current and future research.
NASA’s dedication to planetary defense continues to evolve, with new missions like NEO Surveyor set to carry on the critical work started by NEOWISE.
Conclusion
NASA’s NEOWISE telescope has concluded its mission after over a decade of invaluable service. Its contributions to tracking and understanding near-Earth objects have significantly advanced planetary defense efforts and scientific knowledge. As we look forward to the launch of the NEO Surveyor, the legacy of NEOWISE will continue to influence our approach to protecting Earth from celestial threats.
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