Discussion
Vesta is thought to be 2nd most massive object in the main asteroid belt, but nodoubt the Dawn probe will refine that figure but give it a chance, only been in orbit (albeit at a great distance) for a day!
Looking forward to seeing what they find out about it, could be very revealing.
Very impressive operation, Dawn used an ion motor to catch Vesta and after a year will accelerate again to visit Ceres. I understand its made the largest increase in speed ever made by a space probe thanks to the ion drive firing over 3-4years since launch!
I'm guessing most people don't realise how many asteroids and plantoids have now been recorded in the solar system, some are pretty massive- 2003EL61 and 2005FY9 are almost as large as the former planet Pluto, had the IAU chosen a different path in designating what is a "planet" we'd we well up into double figures by now :-)
Looking forward to seeing what they find out about it, could be very revealing.
Very impressive operation, Dawn used an ion motor to catch Vesta and after a year will accelerate again to visit Ceres. I understand its made the largest increase in speed ever made by a space probe thanks to the ion drive firing over 3-4years since launch!
I'm guessing most people don't realise how many asteroids and plantoids have now been recorded in the solar system, some are pretty massive- 2003EL61 and 2005FY9 are almost as large as the former planet Pluto, had the IAU chosen a different path in designating what is a "planet" we'd we well up into double figures by now :-)
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