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Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / Re: The most advanced space craft of the recent time that impressed you the most
« on: 06/01/2021 15:40:25 »
https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/missions/dawn/overview/
I would say the Dawn Probe. It uses an advanced ion thruster, allowing it to be the first (man-made) spacecraft to orbit multiple non-terrestrial bodies (Vesta and Ceres). This feat would not be possible (practical) using conventional chemical thrusters, which have too low of a specific impulse.
This mission also gathered reams of data regarding the composition and history of the asteroid belt. I don't think we're ready to be a space-faring civilization yet, but I think the first step along that way is likely to involve the asteroid belt (or one of the Martian moons), rather than colonization of our own moon or planetary bodies like Mars or Venus (ick!).
I would say the Dawn Probe. It uses an advanced ion thruster, allowing it to be the first (man-made) spacecraft to orbit multiple non-terrestrial bodies (Vesta and Ceres). This feat would not be possible (practical) using conventional chemical thrusters, which have too low of a specific impulse.
This mission also gathered reams of data regarding the composition and history of the asteroid belt. I don't think we're ready to be a space-faring civilization yet, but I think the first step along that way is likely to involve the asteroid belt (or one of the Martian moons), rather than colonization of our own moon or planetary bodies like Mars or Venus (ick!).
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