This website provides access to the wealth of NEAR mission news and data. Though accurate at the time of publication, it is no longer being updated. For the latest on Johns Hopkins APL space missions, visit civspace.jhuapl.edu.
  Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous

 

The NEAR Spacecraft

Characteristics:

Mass: 805 kg (includes propellant)
Basic Design: Three-axis stabilized; Fixed solar panels
Fixed 1.5-m high-gain antenna; Fixed instruments
Passive thermal design;
Redundant critical subsystems
Power: Solar powered 1800 W @ 1 AU
Telemetry: X-band link to NASA Deep Space Network
Size: 1.7 square-meters at the base
Data Rate: Selectable between 9 bits/s and 26.8 Kbits/s
Memory Capacity: 1.7-Gb solid-state
Propulsion: (1) 100-lb thruster, (4) 5-lb thrusters,
(7) 1-lb thrusters; total Delta V of 1450 m/s
Mission Control Center: Applied Physics Laboratory
Navigation Support: Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Subsystems:

Flight software Mechanical Structure Thermal
Command & Data Handling Telecommunications Propulsion Power
Guidance & Control Electromagnetic Compatibility Test Equipment

Spacecraft Images

in ETF On large shaker
(40,000 lb-F)
preparing for
system vibration
test
  launch Launch
17 Feb 96
prep for launch In Delta fairing
prior to launch
After launch;
artist's conception

More Resources:

NEAR Spacecraft & Instrumentation (PDF)

Design & Development of NEAR Propulsion System (PDF)

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