NEAR's Descent to Eros

[Blueknightex]

No offence, but as an asteroid..Eros looks ugly..lolz

[deltapegasi]

I'd like it boiled..and peeled..on my plate..

[ganymedeIV4]

dont forget were launching a school bus sized explorer at the moon next year.

[icecorescientist]

Inspiring stuff.beautiful guitar

[alien8ted]

What an amazing achievement! Wish they would send a manned mission to a near earth asteroid, some of those are easier to reach than the moon, in terms of fuel. Thanks for posting this, Bruno!

[BrunoTheQuestionable]

I think lives will only be risked on critical missions such as to The Moon and Mars from now on - but the Dawn mission, to be launched in June 2007, will orbit Ceres and Vesta.

[granddad2002]

@BrunoTheQuestionable If we humans keep playing it safe, no one will ever travel space. It's not about Humans are just to fragile to send to the Planets... It's about Humans are clever, resourceful and brave when an enterprise is put to them. You want to improve safety and capability, reducing the cost to LEO is the first step. Use prime contractors like Rutan, Bigelow and Hunter....gentlemen $1 contract...they use private capital and build the feasibility/tested goods...NASA flies payday. No go