NEOSat, the Near-Earth Object Surveillance Satellite, is a Canadian space mission designed to detect and track near-Earth objects (NEOs) such as asteroids and comets. Launched in 2013, NEOSat plays a critical role in identifying potentially hazardous objects and assessing their trajectories to mitigate the risk of impact events on Earth.
Design and Construction
NEOSat features a compact and agile design optimized for NEO detection and tracking. It is equipped with a powerful telescope, the Near-Earth Object Camera (NEOCam), capable of scanning the sky in infrared wavelengths to detect faint heat signatures of NEOs against the cold background of space. The spacecraft’s construction utilizes lightweight materials to maximize its maneuverability and observational capabilities.
Mission Objectives
The primary mission objective of NEOSat is to survey the skies for NEOs, especially those that pose a potential threat of impacting Earth. By detecting and tracking these objects, NEOSat aims to provide early warnings of potential impact events, allowing for timely response and mitigation strategies. Additionally, NEOSat contributes to advancing our understanding of the NEO population and their orbits.
Launch and Deployment
NEOSat was launched aboard an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in February 2013 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India. Following a successful launch, the spacecraft was deployed into a sun-synchronous orbit, optimizing its observational capabilities for scanning the celestial sphere for NEOs. Since deployment, NEOSat has been actively scanning the skies for potential hazards.
Technical Specifications
- Dimensions: Compact satellite design with a focus on maneuverability and observational capability
- Payload Capacity: Equipped with the NEOCam telescope for infrared observations
- Power Source: Solar panels for onboard power generation
- Instruments and Equipment: NEOCam telescope for detecting and tracking NEOs
Current Status
As of 2024, NEOSat remains operational and continues to scan the skies for near-Earth objects. Its observations contribute to ongoing efforts to catalog and characterize the NEO population, providing valuable data for planetary defense and scientific research. NEOSat’s mission underscores Canada’s commitment to space-based initiatives aimed at safeguarding Earth from potential cosmic hazards.
