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Mission 2035: Probe Set to Chase Comet 3I/ATLAS

3/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Comet 3I/ATLAS, discovered July 2025, is an interstellar object traveling through the solar system at over 60 km/s, complicating a mission.
Adam Hibberd and T. Marshall Eubanks propose a solar Oberth maneuver to catch the object by launching a probe toward Jupiter.
The mission is planned for 2035 and would require a heat shield for a solar pass, while the European Space Agency's Comet Interceptor is prepared for future visits.

History

Historical Context

Comet Hale-Bopp, discovered independently by Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp on July 23, 1995, became one of the brightest comets of the 20th century. It reached perihelion on April 1, 1997, shining at magnitude –1.8 and visible for 18 months, captivating millions. Its discovery marked a significant moment in amateur astronomy, showcasing the growing public interest in celestial events during the rise of the Internet.

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Story summary

Comet 3I/ATLAS, discovered July 2025, is an interstellar object traveling through the solar system at over 60 km/s, complicating a mission.
Adam Hibberd and T. Marshall Eubanks propose a solar Oberth maneuver to catch the object by launching a probe toward Jupiter.
The mission is planned for 2035 and would require a heat shield for a solar pass, while the European Space Agency's Comet Interceptor is prepared for future visits.

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