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Galileo
The first spacecraft to visit an asteroid.
Mission Overview
On its way to Jupiter, Galileo performed the first-ever close flyby of an asteroid (951 Gaspra). It later discovered the first moon orbiting an asteroid (Dactyl).
Learning from History
"It witnessed the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet impact Jupiter in 1994 from a unique vantage point."
Mission Specs
| Year | 1991 |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Type | Probe |
| Destination | Jupiter |
| Status | Decommissioned |
| Rocket | Inertial Upper Stage |