NASA has tapped SpaceX to launch the Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor mission in 2027, which will use a powerful rocket to send a spacecraft designed to hunt for potentially hazardous asteroids. The NEO Surveyor is a critical part of planetary defense, aiming to spot and track asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth. SpaceX’s involvement likely means they’ll use something like the Falcon 9—or maybe even a future rocket by then—given their track record with NASA missions.
Here's a breakdown of the key details:
- Mission Purpose:
- The NEO Surveyor is designed to detect and characterize near-Earth objects (NEOs), specifically asteroids and comets that could pose a potential impact threat to Earth.
- It will focus on finding those NEOs that are large enough to cause significant regional damage.
- Launch Details:
- The mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than September 2027.
- It will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida's Space Coast.
- The cost of the launch service is approximately $100 million.
- Key Features:
- NEO Surveyor will use an infrared telescope to detect both bright and dark asteroids.
- It will operate from the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1.
- The mission is planned to conduct a five-year survey.
- Planetary Defense:
- This is a key part of NASAs planetary defense program.
- The goal is to find and track potentially hazardous asteroids.
In essence, this mission represents a significant step forward in our ability to monitor and protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts.