Hubble finds potential KBO targets for New Horizons
Posted: Mon, Oct 20, 2014, 8:48 AM ET (1248 GMT)
Astronomers have discovered three Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) that could be potential targets for the New Horizons mission after it flies past Pluto next year. The KBOs, with estimated sizes of 25 to 55 kilometers across, are within range of New Horizons given its trajectory and fuel supply. A flyby of any of those objects would take place late in the decade, and require NASA approval of an extended mission. The New Horizons mission team had been looking for several for a KBO to visit after the its July 2015 Pluto flyby, but groundbased searches failed to turn up any candidates. An extensive search by Hubble discovered the three KBOs.
Astronomers have discovered three Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) that could be potential targets for the New Horizons mission after it flies past Pluto next year. The KBOs, with estimated sizes of 25 to 55 kilometers across, are within range of New Horizons given its trajectory and fuel supply. A flyby of any of those objects would take place late in the decade, and require NASA approval of an extended mission. The New Horizons mission team had been looking for several for a KBO to visit after the its July 2015 Pluto flyby, but groundbased searches failed to turn up any candidates. An extensive search by Hubble discovered the three KBOs.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, January 29
Crew-12, scheduled to launch on Wednesday 11 February
ESA — 6:42 am ET (1142 GMT) SpaceX now wants to alter BEAD performance requirements
FierceWireless — 6:42 am ET (1142 GMT) EU can't replace Musk's Starlink yet, but is on right track, Kubilius tells Euronews
EuroNews — 6:40 am ET (1140 GMT) A life and death market: Starlink smuggling to Iran surges
Jerusalem Post — 6:40 am ET (1140 GMT) Russia Using Starlink-Equipped Attack Drones For Precision Strikes
Aviation Week — 6:40 am ET (1140 GMT) |
