# Near-Earth Asteroid Scout

> planned solar sail spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q22084830](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22084830)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near-Earth_Asteroid_Scout)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/near-earth-asteroid-scout

## Summary
Near-Earth Asteroid Scout (NEA Scout) is a planned solar sail spacecraft that will be launched on NASA's Space Launch System Block 1 from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39B.

## Key Facts
- It is a CubeSat operated by NASA
- It is classified as a planned solar sail spacecraft
- It will launch on the Space Launch System Block 1
- Its cospar identification number is 2022-156H
- Its nssdca identification number is NEA-SCOUT
- It is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39B
- It is planned to launch in 2022
- It uses solar sail propulsion technology
- It is designed for near-Earth asteroid exploration

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Near-Earth Asteroid Scout?
A: It's a planned solar sail spacecraft that will be launched on NASA's Space Launch System Block 1 from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39B.

### Q: What is it used for?
A: It's designed to explore near-Earth asteroids using a solar sail propulsion system.

### Q: When was it launched?
A: It was scheduled to launch in 2022 from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39B.

### Q: What is its classification?
A: It's classified as a CubeSat.

## Why It Matters
Near-Earth Asteroid Scout represents a significant advancement in space exploration technology by demonstrating solar sail propulsion for deep space missions. As a CubeSat, it offers a cost-effective approach to exploring near-Earth asteroids, which could provide valuable insights into the early solar system's formation and composition. The spacecraft's use of solar sails could revolutionize future deep space exploration by enabling long-duration missions with minimal fuel requirements, potentially reducing mission costs and expanding the range of scientific investigations possible beyond Earth's orbit.

## Notable For
- It's the first solar sail spacecraft to be launched on NASA's Space Launch System
- It's a CubeSat that will demonstrate solar sail technology for asteroid exploration
- It represents a new approach to deep space exploration using low-cost, innovative technology
- It's part of NASA's broader strategy to explore near-Earth objects
- It's designed to provide data on asteroid surfaces and composition

## Body
### Technical Specifications
- Classification: CubeSat
- Operator: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- Propulsion: Solar sail
- Dimensions: CubeSat format (typically 10 cm-sided cubic modules)
- Identification: Cospar ID 2022-156H, NSSDCA ID NEA-SCOUT

### Mission Objectives
- Primary goal: Explore near-Earth asteroids
- Secondary goal: Demonstrate solar sail technology for deep space missions
- Scientific objectives: Study asteroid surfaces and composition

### Launch Details
- Launch vehicle: Space Launch System Block 1
- Launch site: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39B
- Launch date: Scheduled for 2022 (specifically March 2022 based on the date format)
- Launch status: Planned as of the knowledge entry

### Technology
- Solar sail propulsion: Uses sunlight pressure for propulsion
- CubeSat design: Miniaturized satellite architecture for cost-effective development
- Communication: Standard CubeSat communication systems
- Navigation: Advanced guidance and control systems for deep space operations

### Program Context
- Part of NASA's broader exploration program
- Follows in the tradition of innovative spacecraft designs
- Represents a collaborative effort between NASA's various centers
- Builds on existing solar sail technology developments
- Intended to provide data that could inform future asteroid mission concepts

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report