Artists concept of Dawn spacecraft approaching the dwarf planet Ceres

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Stocktrek

Artists concept of Dawn spacecraft approaching the dwarf planet Ceres

In this image, the Dawn spacecrafts three xenon electrostatic ion thrusters can be seen emitting ionized xenons characteristic blue/magenta glow, gently propelling the probe toward the dwarf planet Ceres. While the ion engines have relatively low specific thrust (about equal to the weight of a few sheets of paper), they can operate continuously for long periods making efficient use of the approximately 1, 000 pounds of xenon propellant onboard. The wing-like solar arrays produce about 1, 300 watts for probes propulsion and other electrical systems.
While no close-up observations have yet been made of Ceres itself, here it is rendered as appearing similar to a much smaller version of the Earths Moon, heavily cratered with the addition of surface water ice and hypothesized plumes of ice crystals from water geysers on its surface.
In February 2015 the unmanned Dawn spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at the dwarf planet Ceres. The 65 foot long, 2.5 ton probe was launched from the Earth in 2007, passed Mars in 2009, and went into orbit around the protoplanet Vesta in July 2011 where it stayed until September 2012. Once in orbit around Ceres, Dawn is expected to operate for about a year making observations of this largest object in the asteroid belt

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Media ID 13010647

© Walter Myers/Stocktrek Images

Aerospace Artificial Satellites Asteroid Asteroid Belt Astronautical Engineering Astronautics Astronomical Objects Communication Crater Dawn Deep Space Discovery Dwarf Planets Exploration Geospatial Intelligence Geyser Impact Craters Interstellar Probes Ion Thruster Minor Planets Mission Nasa Orbit Outer Space Planet Planetary Science Probe Propulsion Research Robotic Spacecraft Solar Arrays Solar Panels Solar System Space Art Space Exploration Space Probes Space Travel Spacecraft Spaceflight Spaceship Sphere Surface Technology Telerobotics Two Objects Ceres

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the artist's concept of the Dawn spacecraft as it approaches the enigmatic dwarf planet Ceres. The image highlights the spacecraft's three xenon electrostatic ion thrusters, emitting a mesmerizing blue/magenta glow, gently propelling it towards its destination. Despite their low specific thrust, these ion engines can operate continuously for extended periods, efficiently utilizing the xenon propellant onboard. The wing-like solar arrays generate approximately 1,300 watts to power both propulsion and other electrical systems aboard the probe. Although no close-up observations have been made yet, this rendering portrays Ceres as resembling a smaller version of Earth's Moon with an abundance of craters. Additionally, surface water ice and hypothesized plumes of ice crystals from water geysers add intrigue to this celestial body. Scheduled to arrive in February 2015 after a remarkable journey that commenced in 2007 with launch from Earth and subsequent encounters with Mars and protoplanet Vesta in 2009 and July 2011 respectively, Dawn is poised to orbit Ceres for about a year. As it embarks on its mission to observe this largest object within the asteroid belt, Dawn promises to unravel secrets hidden within Ceres' mysterious landscape. (Photo by Walter Myers/Stocktrek Images)

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