Additionally, when New Horizons was launched, they were pretty sure 2 follow on encounters would be possible.
Turns out they were pretty lucky to get one.
Glad Hubble was made available.
Flyby is in 2 1/2 years.
AFAIK, the target KBO selected, 2014 MU69, isn't even visible in the NH cameras yet and won't be for at least another year.
From Wiki:
Course adjustment was done in late October and early November for a January 1, 2019, flyby.[155][156] Funding was secured in July 1, 2016.[132]
Encounter with 2014 MU69
Objectives of this mission include:[157]
Mapping the surface geology to learn how it formed and has evolved
Measuring the surface temperature
Mapping the 3D surface topography and surface composition to learn how it is similar to and how it is different from comets like 67P and dwarf planets such as Pluto
Searching for any signs of activity, such as a cloud-like coma
Searching for, and studying, any satellites or rings
Measuring or constraining its mass
The new mission began on October 22, when New Horizons carried out the first in a series of four initial targeting maneuvers designed to send it toward 2014 MU69. The maneuver, which started at approximately 19:50 UTC on October 22, used two of the spacecraft's small hydrazine-fueled thrusters, lasted approximately 16 minutes and changed the spacecraft's trajectory by about 10 meters per second (33 ft/s). The remaining three targeting maneuvers took place on October 25, October 28, and November 4, 2015
Turns out they were pretty lucky to get one.
Glad Hubble was made available.
Flyby is in 2 1/2 years.
AFAIK, the target KBO selected, 2014 MU69, isn't even visible in the NH cameras yet and won't be for at least another year.
From Wiki:
Course adjustment was done in late October and early November for a January 1, 2019, flyby.[155][156] Funding was secured in July 1, 2016.[132]
Encounter with 2014 MU69
Objectives of this mission include:[157]
Mapping the surface geology to learn how it formed and has evolved
Measuring the surface temperature
Mapping the 3D surface topography and surface composition to learn how it is similar to and how it is different from comets like 67P and dwarf planets such as Pluto
Searching for any signs of activity, such as a cloud-like coma
Searching for, and studying, any satellites or rings
Measuring or constraining its mass
The new mission began on October 22, when New Horizons carried out the first in a series of four initial targeting maneuvers designed to send it toward 2014 MU69. The maneuver, which started at approximately 19:50 UTC on October 22, used two of the spacecraft's small hydrazine-fueled thrusters, lasted approximately 16 minutes and changed the spacecraft's trajectory by about 10 meters per second (33 ft/s). The remaining three targeting maneuvers took place on October 25, October 28, and November 4, 2015
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