Asteroid-hunting satellite to launch Monday

[Waspie_Dwarf]

Canadian asteroid-hunting satellite to launch Monday

A small satellite built in Canada is stowed for liftoff from India on Monday on a mission to spot asteroids, especially the kind posing a hazard to Earth.

The Near-Earth Object Surveillance Satellite, or NEOSSat, is the first spacecraft designed for asteroid detection, and its launch will come barely one week after a meteor exploded over Russia.

Source

Edited February 25, 2013 by Waspie_Dwarf
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[Waspie_Dwarf]

First Canadian space telescope dedicated to detecting and tracking asteroids and satellites

Animation depicting NEOSSat's mission. Canada is currently building NEOSSat (the Near-Earth Object Surveillance Satellite), the world's first space telescope dedicated to detecting and tracking asteroids and satellites. Slated for launch in 2013, it will circle the globe every 100 minutes, scanning space near the Sun to pinpoint asteroids that may someday pass near our planet. NEOSSat will also sweep the skies in search of satellites and space debris as part of Canada's commitment to keeping orbital space safe for everyone. http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellit...

Source: Canadian Space Agency - YouTube Channel

Edited February 25, 2013 by Waspie_Dwarf

[Indiogene]

Thanks for posting this, Waspiedwarf. This new satellite plays an important role for us to benefit from detecting an asteroid or runaway satellite before it could potentially strike the earth. We need to better prepare for collisions to save lives and protect property.