Springer - The Dawn Mission to Minor Planets 4 Vesta and 1 Ceres

Explore the groundbreaking science of the Dawn mission with this comprehensive text from Springer. As the first mission to orbit a main belt asteroid and the first scientific mission to utilize ion propulsion, Dawn has changed our understanding of the solar system. This book provides a detailed look at the exploration of 4 Vesta and 1 Ceres, offering insights into the mission's primary scientific goals. Readers will learn about the technical processes used to map asteroid surfaces and determine topography through stereo measurements. The text covers the methods used to identify mineralogy, measure elemental composition, and obtain vital gravity data. Designed for those studying asteroids and the evolution of the solar system, this resource details the specific instruments used, the operational plans, and the mission's approach to education and outreach. It serves as a complete guide to one of the most significant space exploration efforts in modern history.