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Today in History: NASA's NEAR Shoemaker lands on asteroid Eros

2/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 12, 2001, NASA's NEAR Shoemaker probe made history by becoming the first spacecraft to land on an asteroid, 433 Eros. Launched in 1996, the mission aimed to study Eros from close orbit. The successful landing marked a significant milestone in space exploration and expanded our understanding of near-Earth objects.

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Story summary

On February 12, 2001, NASA's NEAR Shoemaker probe made history by becoming the first spacecraft to land on an asteroid, 433 Eros. Launched in 1996, the mission aimed to study Eros from close orbit. The successful landing marked a significant milestone in space exploration and expanded our understanding of near-Earth objects.