The Latest Dawn for NASA

[TheLostHibiki]

Asteroids are interesting objects. When a good number of them collide together you get planets. Like finding the quarry that made the blocks for the pyramids. Since these flying mountains are capable of so much destruction; it is a good idea we get to them first rather than the other way around. As the data comes in, then we can start a more comprehensive program on these outer space bodies. Mining, modifying orbits and fail safe destruction should be on that list.

[Parthamasiris]

Why we can't just use a giant laser gun in space to destroy an incoming asteroid?

[MounDoGG]

if we destroyed is dificult.. a parts of meteor rocks car destroy everything & could be se dangerous !

[YamoxD]

@Parthamasiris I don't think that would work.If you destroy a rock like that it creates minor rocks and those rocks are still dangerous to earth.So instead of one big asteroid that hits earth, a huge a amount of small asteroids hits earth!

[robotguy]

Hyperbolic orbits are still considered orbits, so there have been dozens of spacecraft that have orbited two or more planetary bodies (gravity assist) in a single voyage. Dawn will be the first to closely study two asteroids.

[HAL11000]

A hyperbolic orbit may be called an "orbit" but the space craft cannot revolve around the cosmic body.-Its flung into another direction at a higher speed (Its more of a "trajectory" not a true orbit.) Dawn will be the first spacecraft to enter into orbit around two different planetary bodies other than the Earth and Moon, and the first to visit the largest asteroid using three Xenon ion thrusters. (firing only one at a time)