is the first to orbit an asteroid and instruments on the craft have probed the chemistry, density and surface features of Eros. The results show that the asteroid is very old, perhaps as old as ...

NEAR was constantly in Eros’ orbit. It was almost (literally) as if they were bound to one another by some unseen force (gravity). The primary mission involved classifying the asteroid’s ...

entered orbit around the asteroid 443 Eros, becoming the first human-made object to orbit an asteroid. The mission almost ended due to a malfunction, but before it was done the spacecraft would ...

shows a close-up view of Eros, an asteroid with an orbit that takes it somewhat close to Earth. NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope observed Eros and dozens of other near-Earth asteroids as part of an ...

On Valentine's Day in 2000, Near had its first date with Eros as it moved into a stable orbit around the asteroid, becoming the first human-made object to orbit a minor planet. Throughout 2000 ...

is the first to orbit an asteroid, and instruments on the craft have probed the chemistry, density and surface features of Eros. The results show that the asteroid is very old, perhaps as old as ...

Or the ejected material ends up in the same orbit as Eros, and over time the asteroid runs back into its own debris and gathers it up, which is equally bizarre. We simply don’t understand this.” ...

If all goes perfectly, the 1,100-pound craft will drop from its asteroid orbit and slide gently onto Eros' rocky surface, perhaps bouncing slightly before resting on its side. Officials said ...