A new class of explorer sets sail

NASA’s Near-Earth Asteroid Scout or NEA Scout will be a new class of explorer with a remarkable propulsion system once thought impossible…a solar sail. Its mission: Intercept and study a near-Earth asteroid.

NASA's Near-Earth Asteroid Scout or "NEA Scout" is part of a new class of explorers. No larger than a shoebox, it’s definitely tiny, yet mighty and packs some advanced technologies including a solar sail which lets it harness the sun's photons for thrust. Scout's mission will be to intercept and study a near-Earth asteroid.

 

Motion Design

 

Stills

NASA's Near-Earth Asteroid Scout embarks on its journey near Earth's Moon.

NASA's Near-Earth Asteroid Scout embarks on its journey near Earth's Moon.

NASA's Near-Earth Asteroid Scout Cubesat unfurls its thin aluminum sail.

Scout’s thin aluminum sail will harness the reflected momentum from photons radiating from our sun and embark on its journey of discovery.

Some near-Earth asteroids have orbits that cross Earth's orbit.

Some near-Earth asteroids have orbits that cross Earth's orbit. They can pose some danger in an impact scenario.

NEA Scout makes a close approach to a near-Earth asteroid.

NEA Scout makes a close approach to a near-Earth asteroid.

Mining asteroids in could prove to be an important part of human space travel.

Mining asteroids in could prove to be an important part of human space travel.

 

Storyboard and Exploration