NASA’s NEOWISE Mission Concludes After 15 Years, Paving the Way for Future Asteroid-Hunting Endeavors

NASA’s NEOWISE Mission Concludes After 15 Years, Paving the Way for Future Asteroid-Hunting Endeavors
Image credit: Space.com

Final Command Marks the End of NEOWISE Missi

NASA's long-serving asteroid-hunting mission, NEOWISE, has officially come to an end. On August 8, engineers sent the final command to the NEOWISE spacecraft, instructing it to shut off its transmitter after nearly 15 years of successful operation in low Earth orbit.

NEOWISE’s Legacy in Asteroid and Comet Detection

Originally launched as WISE (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) in December 2009, the mission began with a focus on scanning the entire infrared sky. The spacecraft completed this primary mission over seven months, achieving "far greater sensitivity than previous surveys," according to NASA officials. After running out of coolant in 2010, which impacted its ability to perform deep-space infrared observations, WISE transitioned into NEOWISE. This extended mission allowed it to survey the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and later focus on detecting near-Earth objects.

NEOWISE’s Remarkable Discoveries

During its extended mission, NEOWISE made significant contributions to planetary defense. Over its 11-year tenure, the mission discovered more than 3,000 near-Earth objects, including 215 that were previously unknown to astronomers. NEOWISE also identified 25 comets, with Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) being a standout discovery that captivated skywatchers in 2020. These discoveries have not only expanded our knowledge of the near-Earth environment but also laid the groundwork for future missions in planetary defense.

Challenges Leading to NEOWISE's Deactivation

A recent increase in solar activity contributed to the mission's conclusion. The sun's heat caused Earth's atmosphere to expand, increasing drag on the NEOWISE spacecraft and pushing it lower into the atmosphere. As a result, NASA determined that the spacecraft would soon be unable to perform useful scientific operations. Without the capability to boost its orbit, NEOWISE is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up later this year.

Looking Forward: The NEO Surveyor Mission

The end of NEOWISE marks the beginning of new opportunities in space exploration. The mission's achievements have set the stage for its successor, the NEO Surveyor spacecraft, which is slated for launch in 2027. This new mission will continue the vital work of monitoring and detecting asteroids and comets that could pose a threat to Earth, building on the legacy of NEOWISE.

NASA’s Tribute to NEOWISE’s Success

Nicola Fox, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, reflected on NEOWISE’s success, stating, "The NEOWISE mission has been an extraordinary success story as it helped us better understand our place in the universe by tracking asteroids and comets that could be hazardous for us on Earth." Laurie Leshin, director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, echoed these sentiments, celebrating the team behind NEOWISE for their remarkable achievements in expanding our knowledge of the cosmos and enhancing planetary defense capabilities.