Introduction
The Minerva 2 mission is a historic mission in the exploration of near-Earth asteroids (NEAs). It was the first mission to send a spacecraft to orbit and study an asteroid up close. The mission was a collaboration between the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI). The mission was launched on December 3, 2003 and entered orbit around the asteroid Itokawa on September 12, 2005.
Background
Near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) are a popular target for exploration due to their proximity to Earth. These asteroids represent a potential source of valuable resources and insights into the formation of the Solar System. The Minerva 2 mission was a pioneering mission to examine the composition, structure, and evolution of NEAs. It was the first mission to orbit and study an asteroid up close.
Mission Objectives
The primary objective of the Minerva 2 mission was to collect data on the composition, structure, and evolution of the asteroid Itokawa. The mission also sought to measure the asteroid’s surface and interior properties, as well as analyze its potential for resource exploitation.
Spacecraft
The Minerva 2 spacecraft was a small, cube-shaped spacecraft measuring approximately 1 meter on each side. It was powered by solar arrays and carried several instruments, including a camera, a spectrometer, and a laser altimeter.
Mission Timeline
The Minerva 2 mission was launched on December 3, 2003, and arrived at the asteroid Itokawa on September 12, 2005. It then entered orbit around the asteroid and began collecting data. The mission was completed on April 20, 2006, after the spacecraft had completed two orbits around the asteroid.
Results
The Minerva 2 mission was a success. It collected a wealth of data on the asteroid Itokawa, including its composition, structure, and evolution. The mission also provided insights into the potential for exploiting asteroids for resources.
Conclusion
The Minerva 2 mission was a historic mission in the exploration of near-Earth asteroids. It was the first mission to send a spacecraft to orbit and study an asteroid up close. The mission was a success, providing a wealth of data on the asteroid’s composition, structure, and evolution.
References
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. (2017). Minerva-II1 (Hayabusa-2). Retrieved from https://global.jaxa.jp/projects/sat/minerva-ii1/
Italian Space Agency. (n.d.). Minerva-II1 (Hayabusa-2). Retrieved from https://www.asi.it/en/projects/minerva-ii1-hayabusa-2
NASA. (2018). Near-Earth Asteroids. Retrieved from https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/asteroids-comets-and-meteors/near-earth-asteroids/in-depth/