NEOWISE Mission Ending: Next Generation of Planetary Defense on the Horizon

As the NEOWISE mission comes to a close, NASA is paving the way for the next generation of planetary defense efforts with the upcoming launch of the NEO Surveyor. This new mission will be the first purpose-built infrared space telescope specifically dedicated to hunting hazardous near-Earth objects.

NEOWISE, which stands for Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, has been instrumental in helping NASA develop and operate the NEO Surveyor. Over the past 14 years, NEOWISE has made 1.45 million infrared measurements of over 44,000 objects in the solar system, including more than 3,000 near-Earth objects. This data has been crucial in advancing our understanding of these potentially dangerous asteroids and comets.

The decision to end the NEOWISE mission on July 31 is largely due to the approaching solar maximum, which will increase solar activity and create more drag on satellites orbiting Earth. Without a propulsion system, NEOWISE will not be able to maintain its orbit and will ultimately burn up in the planet’s atmosphere in late 2024 or early 2025.

The NEO Surveyor, set to launch in late 2027, will continue the work of NEOWISE by seeking out the most difficult-to-find asteroids and comets that could pose a threat to Earth. With advancements in technology and techniques developed through NEOWISE, the NEO Surveyor will further enhance NASA’s planetary defense strategy.

The success of the NEOWISE mission and the upcoming launch of the NEO Surveyor highlight the importance of continued efforts to monitor and track near-Earth objects. By studying these asteroids and comets, scientists can better understand their characteristics and potential impact, ultimately helping to protect our planet from potential threats from space.

Overall, the end of the NEOWISE mission marks the beginning of a new chapter in NASA’s planetary defense efforts. With the launch of the NEO Surveyor on the horizon, we can look forward to even greater advancements in our understanding of near-Earth objects and the continued protection of our planet from potential impacts.