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NASA Probe Performs Comet Close Encounter

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Fareed Guyot
Young Eagles Pilot or VolunteerAirVenture Volunteer
Fareed Guyot
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#1 Posted: 11/4/2010 13:12:59 Modified: 11/4/2010 13:24:29
The EPOXI spacecraft flew the closest ever a comet, skimming by Hartley 2 today (November 4) at a distance of just 435 miles. Five years ago EPOXI fired an 800-pound projectile to break loose debris in preparation for further study. Since that impact, the spacecraft has tracked the comet and maneuvered for the near-miss which occurred at 27,000 mph. EPOXI is gathering images of Hartley 2’s nucleus and scientists hope that the comet has not damaged the craft too badly. EPOXI has now visited two different comets since it was launched.

 

 



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Mike Edwards
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Mike Edwards
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#2 Posted: 11/4/2010 13:44:18

Neat.  This is the reason the choice "Burt Rutan or NASA" in a recent popularity poll on this board was not really a fair question.  NASA does some really neat stuff that nobody else has ever done or is likely to do anytime soon.



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