NASA Set to Launch Spacecraft to Pluto
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An unmanned NASA spacecraft the size of a piano is set to lift off Tuesday on a nine-year journey to Pluto, the last unexplored planet in the solar system. Scientists hope to learn more about the icy planet and its large moon, Charon, as well as two other, recently discovered moons in orbit around Pluto.
Ref. https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060116/ap_on_sc/pluto_mission
Well, after Mars and Jupiter, I suppose we have to explore the farthest planet out. Recently, scientists have speculated that Pluto is much colder than we originally thought. I wonder what exactly we will be doing on the planet, or if we will attempt to land on the planet. On Mars, we sent a moving lander to the surface of the planet, but Mars is much closer. On Jupiter, we just sent a satellite into it atmosphere. I am not familiar with theories on Plutos atmosphere, but I hope that they can land on the planet.
What I am wondering is... will there be enough light for the cameras to get good pictures? Also, why spend money on something so far away (and we know there is yet another planet / asteroid even further away - see another thread) when we have not even sufficiently explored those closest to us?
Fastest Spacecraft Ever Built
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The fastest spacecraft ever launched began the first full day of its 3-billion mile journey to Pluto, where it will study the last unexplored planet and the mysterious icy area that surrounds it. The New Horizons spacecraft blasted off aboard an Atlas V rocket Thursday afternoon in a spectacular start to the $700 million mission. Despite the speed - it can reach 36,000 mph - it will take 9 1/2 years to reach Pluto and the frozen, sunless reaches of the solar system.
Ref. https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060121/ap_on_sc/pluto_mission
Humiliated Pluto gets new class
Astronomy's official naming organisation says objects like the former ninth planet should be known as "plutoids"
Ref. https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7449735.stm
Pluto (Hover)
I still think Pluto is one of the coolest planets in our solar system I mean it really is cool as in no one could live there because its so cold but also because of the blue white color it gives off.