logo
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 11,915
Likes: 30
BellaOnline Editor
Renaissance Human
OP Online Content
BellaOnline Editor
Renaissance Human
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 11,915
Likes: 30
Yesterday the mission control center in Maryland got the message. New Horizons had phoned (or maybe texted) home, and four and a half hours later, the signal reached Earth.

New Horizons is a long way from home on its way to visit Pluto. And the message was that the spacecraft had woken up from its final nap. Since the launch in 2006, it's spent about two-thirds of its time in hibernation - this cuts the costs and saves wear and tear on the instruments. They'll be needed for the summer fly-by of Pluto and its moons, but also for the onward journey through the Kuiper Belt.

Sponsored Post Advertisement
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 11,915
Likes: 30
BellaOnline Editor
Renaissance Human
OP Online Content
BellaOnline Editor
Renaissance Human
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 11,915
Likes: 30
The spacecraft new Horizons was awakened from its final sleep last month. It's now beginning the first of what will be several phases of its approach to Pluto. On July 14 it will be 4.67 billion miles (7.5 billion kilometers) from Earth and carrying out the first ever close-up flyby of Pluto.

When New Horizons was launched in 2006 Pluto was still officially a planet, but as the biggest known Kuiper Belt object, it will be just as interesting.

Find out more about Pluto.


Moderated by  Mona - Astronomy 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Brand New Posts
Make It Sew Easier
by Cheryl - Sewing Editor - 03/27/24 04:34 PM
2024 - on this day in the past ...
by Mona - Astronomy - 03/27/24 01:31 PM
Planner Template Kit - Weekly Layout Template
by Digital Art and Animation - 03/26/24 07:39 PM
Planner Template Kit - Yearly Layout Template
by Digital Art and Animation - 03/26/24 07:37 PM
How to Use Digital Planner Template Kit
by Digital Art and Animation - 03/26/24 07:36 PM
Review - 20 Illustrator Color tips Helen Bradley
by Digital Art and Animation - 03/26/24 07:32 PM
March Equinox to June Solstice
by Mona - Astronomy - 03/26/24 12:27 PM
Hobotrader unleashes never seen opportunity with i
by Jamal molla - 03/26/24 11:55 AM
Psalm for the day
by Angie - 03/25/24 09:05 AM
Genealogy, Sort of
by Angie - 03/24/24 05:39 PM
Sponsor
Safety
We take forum safety very seriously here at BellaOnline. Please be sure to read through our Forum Guidelines. Let us know if you have any questions or comments!
Privacy
This forum uses cookies to ensure smooth navigation from page to page of a thread. If you choose to register and provide your email, that email is solely used to get your password to you and updates on any topics you choose to watch. Nothing else. Ask with any questions!


| About BellaOnline | Privacy Policy | Advertising | Become an Editor |
Website copyright © 2022 Minerva WebWorks LLC. All rights reserved.


Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5