All articles tagged with #quasi satellite
China’s Tianwen-2 mission has captured the first close-up images of Kamoʻoalewa (2016 HO3), Earth’s smallest known quasi-satellite, during a recent approach. The tiny asteroid (roughly 40–100 meters across) is being studied to understand its origin and orbital evolution, with plans to collect samples for return to Earth later this year despite the challenges of its irregular, rapidly spinning surface.
China's Tianwen-2 asteroid-sampling mission released its first image of quasi-moon Kamo'oalewa (asteroid 2016 HO3), taken from about 20 km away on July 2, 2026. The spacecraft will study the object with 11 instruments for roughly a year before attempting a return sample to Earth. Kamo'oalewa, about 16–20 meters across, is a near-Earth quasi-satellite and may be material from the Moon formed by a past large impact Giordano Bruno; a sample could test that idea. Tianwen-2, launched in May 2025, marks China's first asteroid-sample mission, with future plans including Tianwen-3 (Mars sample return in 2028) and Tianwen-4 (Jupiter/Uranus study in 2030).
China's Tianwen-2 mission captured the first close-up of Kamo'oalewa, Earth's rare minimoon and quasi-satellite, after a near-billion-kilometer voyage; the mission will study the asteroid and return rock samples to Earth, potentially clarifying its origin and whether it's a fragment of the Moon.
China's Tianwen-2 mission delivered the first close-up image of Earth's rare quasi-satellite Kamoʻoalewa (2016HO3) from about 20 km away after a year-long journey. The probe will study the rock, collect samples to return to Earth, and then proceed to main-belt comet 311P, advancing our understanding of near-Earth asteroids and their origins.
Scientists have discovered a small asteroid called Kamo'oalewa that has a quasi-satellite orbit around Earth, meaning it appears to orbit our planet while actually orbiting the Sun. After analyzing the asteroid's spectra, researchers believe it is a chunk of the Moon that was knocked loose by an asteroid impact in the past. This unusual asteroid's longevity and orbit make it a unique find, and further research will investigate its age, origin on the Moon, and the conditions that led to its formation.