DAWN mission to orbit 1 Ceres & 4 Vesta.

[bobblebob]

Cool, didnt know it would appear so clear

 

[MeteorWayne]

2 NASA releases on Dawn:<br /><br />DAWN SPACECRAFT SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED<br /><br />CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Dawn spacecraft began its <br />1.7-billion-mile journey through the inner solar system to study a <br />pair of asteroids Thursday at 7:34 a.m. EDT.<br /><br />The Delta 2 rocket, fitted with nine strap-on solid-fuel boosters, <br />safely climbed away from the Florida coastline and Launch Pad 17B at <br />the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. "We have our time machine up <br />and flying," said Dawn Principal Investigator Christopher Russell of <br />the University of California, Los Angeles.<br /><br />Dawn is scheduled to begin its exploration of Vesta in 2011 and Ceres <br />in 2015. The two icons of the asteroid belt are located in orbit <br />between Mars and Jupiter and have been witness to so much of our <br />solar system's history.<br /><br />By using the same set of instruments at two separate destinations, <br />scientists can more accurately formulate comparisons and contrasts. <br />Dawn's science instrument suite will measure shape, surface <br />topography and tectonic history, elemental and mineral composition, <br />as well as seek out water-bearing minerals.<br /><br />A critical milestone for the spacecraft comes in acquiring its signal. <br />The launch team expects that to occur in approximately two to three <br />hours.<br /><br />--------------------------------------<br /><br />RELEASE: 07-213<br /><br />NASA'S DAWN SPACECRAFT ENROUTE TO SHED LIGHT ON ASTEROID BELT<br /><br />CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Dawn spacecraft is on its way to study <br />a pair of asteroids after lifting off Thursday from the Cape <br />Canaveral Air Force Station at 7:34 a.m. EDT.<br /><br />Mission controllers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), <br />Pasadena, Calif., received telemetry on schedule at 9:44 a.m. <br />indicating Dawn had achieved proper orientation in space and its <br />massive solar array was generating power from the sun.<br /><br />"Dawn has risen, and the space <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[alokmohan]

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Dawn spacecraft is on its way to study a pair of asteroids after lifting off Thursday from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 7:34 a.m. EDT. ref:spaceref.com<br /><br /><br />Mission controllers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, Calif., received telemetry on schedule at 9:44 a.m. indicating Dawn had achieved proper orientation in space and its massive solar array was generating power from the sun. <br /><br />"Dawn has risen, and the spacecraft is healthy," said the mission's project manager Keyur Patel of JPL. "About this time tomorrow [Friday morning], we will have passed the moon's orbit." <br /><br />During the next 80 days, spacecraft controllers will test and calibrate the myriad of spacecraft systems and subsystems, ensuring Dawn is ready for the long journey ahead. <br /><br />"Dawn will travel back in time by probing deep into the asteroid belt," said Dawn Principal Investigator Christopher Russell, University of California, Los Angeles. "This is a moment the space science community has been waiting for since interplanetary spaceflight became possible." <br /><br />Dawn's 3-billion-mile odyssey includes exploration of asteroid Vesta in 2011 and the dwarf planet Ceres in 2015. These two icons of the asteroid belt have been witness to much of our solar system's history. By using Dawn's instruments to study both asteroids, scientists more accurately can compare and contrast the two. Dawn's science instrument suite will measure elemental and mineral composition, shape, surface topography, tectonic history, and it will seek water-bearing minerals. In addition, the Dawn spacecraft and how it orbits Vesta and Ceres will be used to measure the celestial bodies' masses and gravity fields. <br /><br />The spacecraft's engines use a<br />

 

[MeteorWayne]

alokmohan,<br /><br />Don't you ever read a thread before you post?<br /><br />You seem to post an awful lot of repeat information. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[alokmohan]

This came out in Independent news paper.I wanted to reinforce you statement.Forgot to give link.

 

[brellis]

I wonder if there's a significant possibility that DAWN might collide with dust or grain-sized material in the asteroid belt. Those solar panels are pretty big! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="2" color="#ff0000"><em><strong>I'm a recovering optimist - things could be better.</strong></em></font> </p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

There is that chance. However, even in the asteroid belt, space is very big, and particles are very far apart. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[franontanaya]

During the press conference, when talking about the ion thruster plate, they said the chances of it being damaged were too low and they weren't worried about that possibility.<br /><br />I guess the risk at the asteroid belt is way lower than the risk Cassini faces daily orbiting Saturn. And a few dozens of micrometeorites aren't going to break those panels, I bet. Someone hit them with a tool when they were setting up the first scheduled launch and, though there was a little damage, they didn't fall apart. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[brellis]

Thanks Fran and MW<br /><br />It's always good to remember the dimensions of interplanetary space - it's big!<br /><br />I'm reading "Venus Revealed" by David Grinspoon. In it he mentions that of all the Mariner missions, only one of the Mariner craft encountered only one speck of dust on its way past Venus to Mercury. The inner solar system is spotlessly clean! That's why I wondered how peppered space gets with dusty or grainy material in the asteroid belt.<br /><br /><font color="yellow">Someone hit them with a tool when they were setting up the first scheduled launch and, though there was a little damage, they didn't fall apart.</font><br /><br />Reassuring for the spacecraft - wow, though!<br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="2" color="#ff0000"><em><strong>I'm a recovering optimist - things could be better.</strong></em></font> </p> </div>

 

[3488]

Hi brellis,<br /><br />Thats true, I have read that book myself.<br /><br />Also Pioneer 10 only recorded 7 micrometeroid hits during the Asteroid Belt crossing & AFAIK<br />Pioneer 11 recorded only 4, the Voyagers only 7 each & the others since then <br />that have passed through, similar levels, really only the same as general interplanetary space.<br /><br />Also when Galileo encountered asteroids 951 Gaspra & 243 Ida, as well as NEAR / Shoemaker <br />with 253 Mathilde, there were no elevated levels at all, so even close to main belt asteroids<br />there is no risk what so ever.<br /><br />DAWN will be fine, I am not worried about it. <br /><br />IMO the most difficult & dangerous part of the entire mission is now history, launch & that went<br />without so much as a minor burp. <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <br /><br />The Delta 2 performed yet again superbly. <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /><br /><br />Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080">"I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before".</font> <em><strong><font color="#000000">Linda Morabito </font></strong><font color="#800000">on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.</font></em></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://www.launchphotography.com/</font><br /><br /><font size="1" color="#000080">http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearth</font></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://web.me.com/meridianijournal</font></p> </div>

 

[bobblebob]

Once it reaches Vesta how long will it take for a signal to get to and from earth?

 

[MeteorWayne]

Well, IIRC, the late launch (Sept Vs Aug) means Dawn will arrive at Vesta in July 2011.<br /><br />At that time, Vesta will be about 1.28 AU from earth, or about 10.6 light minutes.<br /><br />By the time Dawn departs in April 2012, it will be in conjunction on the other side of the sun about 3.47 AU away, or nearly 29 light minutes. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[bobblebob]

A long way then <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" />

 

[3488]

It is a long way.<br /><br />To back up MeteorWayne (I know he is correct, but I like to play with numbers myself sometimes).<br /><br />1.28 AU = 192,000,000 KM. Light speed = 299,756 KPS.<br /><br />192 Million KM / 299,756 KPS = 640.52 seconds. So yes MeteorWayne is spot on<br />(10 minutes & 40.52 seconds). <br /><br />4 Vesta @ Solar Conjunction.<br /><br />3.47 AU = 520,500,000 KM. Light speed = 299,756 KPS.<br /><br />520.50 Million KM / 299,756 KPS = 1,736.41 seconds. So yes MeteorWayne is spot on again.<br />(28 minutes & 54.41 seconds). <br /><br />There appears to be no about, about it. MeteorWayne is accurate to the last. <br /> <br />So you can see that the distance varies by almost three during the 4 Vesta part of the mission.<br /><br />Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080">"I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before".</font> <em><strong><font color="#000000">Linda Morabito </font></strong><font color="#800000">on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.</font></em></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://www.launchphotography.com/</font><br /><br /><font size="1" color="#000080">http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearth</font></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://web.me.com/meridianijournal</font></p> </div>

 

[3488]

Decided to do the same for 1 Ceres.<br /><br />DAWN arrival. February 2015.<br /><br />3.52 AU = 528,000,000 KM. Light speed = 299,756 KPS. <br /><br />528 Million KM / 299,756 KPS = 1,761.43 seconds.<br />(29 minutes & 23.43 seconds). <br /><br />End of nominal mission: July 2015.<br /><br />1.95 AU = 292,500,000 KM. Light speed = 299,756 KPS. <br /><br />292.5 Million KM / 299,756 KPS = 975.7 seconds. <br />(16 minutes & 12.7 seconds). <br /><br />If it happens 2 Pallas encounter, December 2018.<br /><br />2.41 AU = 361,500,000 KM. Light speed = 299,756 KPS. <br /><br />361.5 Million KM / 299,756 KPS = 1,205.98 seconds. <br />(20 minutes & 5.98 seconds). <br /><br />Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080">"I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before".</font> <em><strong><font color="#000000">Linda Morabito </font></strong><font color="#800000">on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.</font></em></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://www.launchphotography.com/</font><br /><br /><font size="1" color="#000080">http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearth</font></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://web.me.com/meridianijournal</font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

I was going to do that after I ran to pick up bird seed for our feathered friends, glad you did it.<br /><br />Thanx <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[alokmohan]

Bird seeds?

 

[alokmohan]

Dawn has come with bang..

 

[gregoire]

I've noticed 2 Pallas mentioned several times. Is there any info about a mission extension to 2 Pallas?

 

[MeteorWayne]

I think Andrew is wishing upon an asteroid, but who knows. <br />He would know more about the possibility.<br />If there is sufficient Xenon left after Ceres and another target is within reach, it would make sense to extend the mission and visit another target.<br /><br />But first, lets get through Vesta and Ceres, then see where we stand with consumables <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[brellis]

The more ion propulsion engines we've got cruising around the solar system, the happier I am. Love those charged particles! <img src="/images/icons/cool.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="2" color="#ff0000"><em><strong>I'm a recovering optimist - things could be better.</strong></em></font> </p> </div>

 

[3488]

Hi Gregoire,<br /><br />MeteorWayne is correct, I am wishing here a bit with 2 Pallas, but there is some<br />real possibility here.<br /><br />As MeteorWayne says, the asteroid 4 Vesta & dwarf planet 1 Ceres are top<br />priority (quite rightly so).<br /><br />However DAWN was actually fuelled up beyond the minimum mission requirements<br />late on during the mission launch preparations. Reasons being:<br /><br />1). In case there were more trajectory trim maneuvers required post launch.<br /><br />2). If not required, opens up the possibilty of an extended orbital tour of 1 Ceres.<br /><br />3). If point no2 happens, than the gap between 1 Ceres & 2 Pallas at the 2 Pallas decending <br />node decreases, thus allowing DAWN to leave 1 Ceres & slowly pass 2 Pallas in December 2018.<br /><br />I will push for that option if the 1 Ceres requirements are met in full.<br /><br />Reasons below.<br /><br />2 Pallas is the second largest member of the Asteroid Belt, just pushing ahead of 4 Vesta <br />in size (not mass though, 4 Vesta is denser). However 2 Pallas is in a highly nearly 35 degree <br />inclined orbit, so is a difficult object to reach. It is likely doable with DAWN.<br /><br />2 Pallas is a giant 532 KM wide carbonaceous / silicate hybrid asteroid, the largest B type object known in <br />the solar system. <br /><br />Spectral data reveals Olivine & Pyroxene in large quantities, virtually no hydrated <br />materials, very little in the way of surface metals, radar reflections suggest a smoothish surface.<br />The Olivine regions appear to be regionalised, perhaps 2 Pallas had volcanic activity <br />in the distant past???<br /><br />The axial tilt is very steep, about 70 to 80 degrees, so 2 Pallas has some very extreme seasons.<br /><br />2 Pallas is definately worth at least a slow, close encounter.<br /><br />So yes, it is a bit of a wish, but it can be doable, assuming as MeteorWayne says, <br />the consumables hold out. <br /><br />Hardware is no problem, the DAWN spacecraft wil <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080">"I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before".</font> <em><strong><font color="#000000">Linda Morabito </font></strong><font color="#800000">on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.</font></em></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://www.launchphotography.com/</font><br /><br /><font size="1" color="#000080">http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearth</font></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://web.me.com/meridianijournal</font></p> </div>

 

[franontanaya]

I would kept it around Ceres at least for one whole Ceres year (4.6 Earth years), specially if there's any hint about it undergoing any seasonal changes as it orbit gets closer to the sun (about 0.4 AU less on perihelion), and the small tilt gets the poles warmer and colder.<br /><br />The Wikipedia references a max temperature of -38º C, so maybe there's a frozen gas cycle at its ecuatorial belt. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

And i should point out that Pallas is the suspected source of the unique meteorites called Pallesites. They are rather rare, and it would be very useful to visit the parent object.<br /><br />But first, lets finish goal one and goal two. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[brellis]

hey Andrew<br /><font color="yellow">If it is proven that 1 Ceres contains as much subsurface ice, as is thought,<br />then 1 Ceres will have more fresh water (abeit frozen) than all of the Earth's oceans put together. </font><br /><br />That's a very romantic concept, the kind of stuff you mention at the dinner table. <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br />I hope they do some "Astronomy from..." shots with other asteroids or planets visible in the sky. Maybe they can get a shot with multiple inner planets as morning or evening stars at some point. <img src="/images/icons/cool.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="2" color="#ff0000"><em><strong>I'm a recovering optimist - things could be better.</strong></em></font> </p> </div>