How will Stardust-NExT fly by the comet?
Stardust-NExT will make its closest approach to Tempel 1 around 11:40 p.m. EST on Feb. 14 (0440 GMT on Feb. 15). At that time, the probe — zooming through space at around 22,400 mph (36,000 kph) — will come within 124 miles (200 km) of the comet, snapping pictures and making measurements all the while. The probe will take 72 high-resolution images during the flyby and begin transmitting them to Earth an hour after the closest pass. It will take about 12 hours for all the pictures to reach scientists on the ground, researchers have said. This NASA video describes the Stardust-NExT probe’s Valentine’s Day encounter with Comet Tempel 1.
