NEAR Shoemaker Landing Ken Ekegren
Spacecraft Goals Orbit Eros Asteroid Take High Resolution Pictures Multiple X-Ray and Spectroscopic Readings
The NEAR Spacecraft A Solar Powered Satellite Built by JPL Designed for orbiting only
Components:
Landing Effort Satellite had completed its mission Still had fuel Opportunity to attempt a landing –Information will help in future exploration –Scientists can exercise control from a huge distance
Procedures Scientists had to create theoretical mission Compare data to actual info from NEAR Finalized by adding 17 seconds to spacecraft’s clock
Current Status NEAR is sitting on Eros Antenna still working Solar panels will soon be in shadows Next 3 months at -230 F
Related Documents Plenty of websites Pictures and info Animations available JPL website will update Hope to revive spacecraft in “summer”
Conclusion First ever landing on something other than moon or planet Will lead to landings on comets and other asteroids