ESA Missions successfully Track Comet 3I/ATLAS, Refining Planetary Defense Capabilities
PARIS – Data from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Mars orbiters – the ExoMars Trace gas Orbiter and Mars Express – have been instrumental in precisely determining the orbit of comet 3I/ATLAS, a rare interstellar visitor currently making its closest approach to the Sun. The observations, conducted in September 2023, provided crucial data to refine the comet’s trajectory and understand its behavior as it nears the inner solar system.
This successful tracking demonstrates the potential of utilizing existing spacecraft beyond Earth orbit for astronomical observations,particularly in bolstering planetary defense efforts. practicing with spacecraft data in this capacity hones vital skills and proves the value of repurposing resources not originally designed for asteroid detection,increasing preparedness should a possibly hazardous object be identified.
Comet 3I/ATLAS, discovered in June 2023, is only the third confirmed interstellar comet to enter our solar system. Its unique origin and composition offer scientists a valuable possibility to study materials from beyond our planetary neighborhood. The ESA missions were able to observe the comet while it was still relatively faint, providing data that complements observations from ground-based telescopes.
Currently, the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) is observing 3I/ATLAS, though at a greater distance than the Mars orbiters. Data from Juice’s observations are expected in February 2026, as the spacecraft is capturing the comet after its closest approach to the Sun, when it is indeed exhibiting heightened activity.
Looking ahead, ESA is developing the Neomir mission to address the challenge of detecting near-Earth objects obscured by the Sun’s glare. neomir will be positioned between the Sun and Earth, aiming to provide at least three weeks’ warning of potential impacts. Additionally, the Comet Interceptor mission is being prepared to study comets – potentially even interstellar ones – up close, offering a deeper understanding of these icy wanderers and their connection to the wider galaxy.
