# NEO Surveyor

> proposed space-based infrared telescope designed to survey the Solar System for potentially hazardous asteroids

**Wikidata**: [Q6984358](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6984358)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEO_Surveyor)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/neo-surveyor

## Summary
NEO Surveyor is a proposed space-based infrared telescope designed to survey the Solar System for potentially hazardous asteroids. It is part of NASA's Discovery Program and aims to improve detection and tracking of near-Earth objects (NEOs) to enhance planetary defense.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Space telescope and infrared telescope
- **Mass**: Up to 1,300 kilograms (maximum)
- **Primary mirror diameter**: 50 centimeters
- **Operators**: Jet Propulsion Laboratory and University of Arizona
- **Manufacturers**: Ball Aerospace & Technologies, Space Dynamics Laboratory, Teledyne Technologies
- **Principal investigator**: Amy Mainzer
- **Proposed launch**: No earlier than 2028
- **Country**: United States
- **Aliases**: NEOCam, Near-Earth Object Camera, Near-Earth Object Surveillance Mission, NEO Surveillance Mission, Near-Earth Object Surveyor Mission, NEOS
- **Part of**: NASA's Discovery Program

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of NEO Surveyor?
A: NEO Surveyor is designed to survey the Solar System for potentially hazardous asteroids, improving detection and tracking of near-Earth objects (NEOs) to enhance planetary defense.

### Q: Who is leading the NEO Surveyor mission?
A: The mission is led by Amy Mainzer, with operations supported by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the University of Arizona.

### Q: When is NEO Surveyor expected to launch?
A: The mission is proposed for launch no earlier than 2028.

### Q: What technology will NEO Surveyor use?
A: NEO Surveyor will use infrared detection to identify and track near-Earth objects, including potentially hazardous asteroids.

### Q: How does NEO Surveyor differ from other asteroid surveys?
A: NEO Surveyor is distinguished by its space-based infrared capabilities, which allow it to detect darker, smaller asteroids that are harder to observe from Earth.

## Why It Matters
NEO Surveyor is crucial for planetary defense, as it aims to identify and track near-Earth objects (NEOs) that could pose a threat to Earth. By using infrared technology, it can detect darker, smaller asteroids that are difficult to observe from ground-based telescopes. This enhanced detection capability is essential for developing strategies to mitigate potential impacts. The mission supports NASA's broader goals in understanding and protecting Earth from celestial hazards, contributing to global efforts in space situational awareness and planetary defense.

## Notable For
- **Infrared detection**: Uses infrared technology to identify darker, smaller asteroids that are harder to detect from Earth.
- **Planetary defense**: Focuses on improving the detection and tracking of potentially hazardous asteroids.
- **Space-based observatory**: Operates as a space telescope, providing a unique vantage point for NEO surveys.
- **Part of NASA's Discovery Program**: Aligns with NASA's program for smaller, cost-effective missions with high scientific returns.
- **Collaborative development**: Involves multiple organizations, including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, University of Arizona, and several aerospace manufacturers.

## Body
### Overview
NEO Surveyor is a proposed space-based infrared telescope designed to survey the Solar System for potentially hazardous asteroids. It is part of NASA's Discovery Program and aims to improve detection and tracking of near-Earth objects (NEOs) to enhance planetary defense.

### Design and Specifications
- **Mass**: Up to 1,300 kilograms (maximum)
- **Primary mirror diameter**: 50 centimeters
- **Infrared detection**: Enables the identification of darker, smaller asteroids that are difficult to observe from Earth.
- **Manufacturers**: Ball Aerospace & Technologies, Space Dynamics Laboratory, Teledyne Technologies

### Mission Details
- **Principal investigator**: Amy Mainzer
- **Operators**: Jet Propulsion Laboratory and University of Arizona
- **Proposed launch**: No earlier than 2028
- **Aliases**: NEOCam, Near-Earth Object Camera, Near-Earth Object Surveillance Mission, NEO Surveillance Mission, Near-Earth Object Surveyor Mission, NEOS

### Significance
- **Planetary defense**: Enhances the detection and tracking of potentially hazardous asteroids.
- **Infrared technology**: Provides a unique capability for identifying darker, smaller asteroids.
- **Collaborative effort**: Involves multiple organizations and manufacturers in its development.

### Historical Context
- **Proposal**: First proposed in 2014 as part of NASA's Discovery Program.
- **Development**: Ongoing construction and development, with key contributions from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and University of Arizona.

### Future Implications
- **Enhanced detection**: Expected to significantly improve the detection and tracking of near-Earth objects.
- **Planetary protection**: Contributes to global efforts in space situational awareness and planetary defense.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/neo-surveyor.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/feature/jpl/construction-begins-on-nasa-s-next-generation-asteroid-hunter)
3. [Source](https://neos.arizona.edu/mission/history-and-status)
4. [Source](https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/missions/neo-surveyor/in-depth/)
5. [Source](https://spacenews.com/nasa-to-develop-mission-to-search-for-near-earth-asteroids/)
6. The Near-Earth Object Surveyor Mission