description WISE / NEOWISE Overview
WISE (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) is a NASA infrared-wavelength astronomical space telescope launched on December 14, 2009. It conducted an all-sky survey in infrared light before its coolant was depleted in 2010. The spacecraft was reactivated in 2013 and repurposed as NEOWISE to search for and catalog near-Earth objects such as asteroids and comets. The NEOWISE mission operated until 2024, when the satellite was decommissioned as its orbit decayed due to increasing solar activity.
help WISE / NEOWISE FAQ
What was the original purpose of the WISE spacecraft?
The Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) was launched by NASA in 2009 to map the entire sky in infrared light. It successfully captured millions of images of distant galaxies, stars, and asteroids before its coolant depleted.
Why was WISE renamed NEOWISE?
In 2013, the spacecraft was brought out of hibernation and repurposed to hunt for near-Earth objects (NEOs) like asteroids and comets. The mission was renamed NEOWISE to reflect its new focus on protecting Earth from potential impacts.
Did the NEOWISE spacecraft discover any famous comets?
Yes, NEOWISE discovered Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE), which became one of the brightest comets visible from Earth in decades. The comet dazzled skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere during the summer of 2020.
Was the NEOWISE mission planned to end?
Yes, the spacecraft is gradually losing altitude due to increased solar activity pulling it down into Earth's atmosphere. NASA expects the NEOWISE spacecraft to re-enter and safely burn up in the atmosphere around late 2024.
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