In February 2001, NASA’s NEAR spacecraft made an extraordinary and unplanned landing on asteroid Eros, becoming the first human-made object to touch down on a celestial body after overcoming a series of unexpected challenges.

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• NASA’s Near spacecraft was initially launched in 1996 to orbit asteroid 433 Eros, but landing was never part of the mission.
• The mission’s original goal was to gather data on Eros’ physical properties, mineral components, and magnetic field.
• In 1998, a failed engine burn threw the spacecraft off course, requiring mission controllers to devise a new path to Eros.
• Despite the setback, Near completed a successful flyby of Eros in December 1998, discovering that the asteroid was smaller than expected.
• Near entered orbit around Eros in February 2000, becoming the first spacecraft to orbit a minor planet.
• Throughout 2000, Near adjusted its orbit, getting as close as 19 km to the asteroid’s surface.
• On October 26, 2000, Near conducted a daring flyby just 5.3 km above Eros.
• On February 12, 2001, the spacecraft made a slow, controlled descent, landing on Eros at 6.4 km/h and becoming the first to land on a celestial body.
• The spacecraft transmitted data for two more weeks, providing Earth’s first close view of an asteroid.
• The success of NEAR mission remains a key reference for future asteroid exploration, as astronomers now monitor asteroid 2024 YR4’s potential collision with Earth.