But as fascinating as Ceres is, so is Dawn. The spacecraft is making history through its incredible path so far. Even though the mission was postponed twice, the spacecraft was finally launched in 2007. On its way to Ceres, Dawn managed to spend some time around the asteroid Vesta. This makes Dawn the first spacecraft that has ever been in orbit around two celestial objects. Dawn was able to do that because of its ion engines that use electrically charged atoms to propel the spacecraft forward, saving a lot of fuel. Dawn is equipped with cutting-edge technology that will help study Ceres and gain insight into a whole different class of objects - dwarf planets. Dawn is scheduled to orbit Ceres until mid-2016. After that its mission is still open to discussion. Sources: USA Today Source: USA Today
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Dawns New Home
But as fascinating as Ceres is, so is Dawn. The spacecraft is making history through its incredible path so far. Even though the mission was postponed twice, the spacecraft was finally launched in 2007. On its way to Ceres, Dawn managed to spend some time around the asteroid Vesta. This makes Dawn the first spacecraft that has ever been in orbit around two celestial objects. Dawn was able to do that because of its ion engines that use electrically charged atoms to propel the spacecraft forward, saving a lot of fuel. Dawn is equipped with cutting-edge technology that will help study Ceres and gain insight into a whole different class of objects - dwarf planets. Dawn is scheduled to orbit Ceres until mid-2016. After that its mission is still open to discussion. Sources: USA Today Source: USA Today