NASA's Lucy spacecraft captures data from peculiar asteroid encounter
- NASA's Lucy spacecraft performed a successful flyby of asteroid Donaldjohanson, the second of its 11 targets.
- The spacecraft collected valuable data and images from this asteroid, which is about three miles wide.
- This mission enhances understanding of the solar system and prepares for future encounters with Jupiter's Trojan asteroids.
On April 20, 2025, NASA’s Lucy spacecraft successfully completed a flyby of the asteroid known as (52246) Donaldjohanson, located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This significant milestone marks the second of 11 targeted asteroids Lucy will explore during its mission, which is set to continue through 2033. The asteroid, approximately three miles (4 kilometers) in diameter and believed to be rich in carbon, is thought to have broken off a larger asteroid approximately 150 million years ago. During the encounter, Lucy passed within 600 miles (960 kilometers) of Donaldjohanson, capturing images and data to better understand its composition and structure. The spacecraft was launched in 2021 with the primary aim of studying Trojan asteroids near Jupiter. The flyby provided scientists with an opportunity to test the spacecraft's system before its upcoming targets. The data collected will aid in preparing for future encounters, particularly with the Jupiter Trojan asteroids, with the next scheduled flyby of Eurybates and its satellite Queta set for August 12, 2027. Following its successful pass of Donaldjohanson, images released by NASA revealed that the asteroid had an irregular, elongated shape resembling a bowling pin, which posed challenges in capturing full images of it during the initial data transmissions. Since its launch, Lucy has completed one previous asteroid flyby, which took place in November 2023, and has another six planned encounters to gather vital information about the early solar system's formation. As Lucy continues on its journey, it will orbit the Sun six times, eventually returning to Earth for gravitational assists to optimize its trajectory to the asteroids. It's worth noting that Lucy contains a time capsule with messages from historic figures, representing humanity's voices as it explores the cosmos. The latest flyby is a testament to the advancements in space exploration and reflects NASA's commitment to understanding the solar system's history through these unique objects. The successful encounter with Donaldjohanson not only enhances scientific knowledge but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting decade ahead in planetary science.