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A simulated image of NASA's Lucy spacecraft approaching an asteroid.
(AP file photo)
[Compiled by Guan Shuping/Comprehensive Report] NASA's probe "Lucy" will pass the Earth at close range on the 16th, using the gravitational slingshot effect to help it continue to Jupiter's Trojan asteroid group A journey of exploration.
NASA pointed out on the 14th that Lucy is expected to pass by the earth at a distance of only 350 kilometers from the surface at 7:26 a.m. Eastern Time on the 16th (7:26 p.m. Taiwan time on the same day). Astronomy enthusiasts can observe Lucy on the earth. Fly over.
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However, with Lucy so close to Earth, it will need to pass through an area full of satellites and debris, and NASA has prepared contingency plans to prevent Lucy from hitting other objects.
Mission leader Coralie Adam said that if the team detected that Lucy was at risk of colliding with a satellite or debris, it would implement a contingency plan 12 hours before its closest approach to Earth, changing the time of closest approach 2 or 2. 4 seconds, "a small correction, but enough to avoid a potentially catastrophic collision."
Lucy, which launched on October 16 last year to detect the Trojan asteroid group in front of and behind Jupiter, is in the first year of a 12-year mission.
NASA said that the gravitational boost obtained by passing the Earth on the 16th will allow Lucy to enter a new orbit. After 2 years of operation in this new orbit, she will return to the earth for the second gravity ejection. At that time, she will pass through the main asteroid belt, That observed the asteroid "52246 Donaldjohanson" (52246 Donaldjohanson), and then sailed to the Troy small constellation; in 2030, it will return to Earth for the third gravitational boost, in order to cooperate with "Patroclus-Menotius" Double Asteroid (Patroclus-Menoetius) conjunction.
NASA's #LucyMission will fly by Earth on Oct. 16 in the first of 3 Earth gravity assists (EGA). Like a partner in a swing dance, Earth's gravity will boost Lucy's speed & elongate its orbit around the Sun. #WaveToLucy
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— NASA Goddard (@NASAGoddard) October 14, 2022