Space probe
A space probe is a vessel not manned sent by the Homme more closely to explore objects of the Solar system and, for some, the space which is beyond. That covers in situ at the same time measurements (electric fields and magnetic, particles in the Solar wind and the Magnétosphère S planet gears; samplings) and observations, very powerful because of an inaccessible angular resolution since the Earth or the terrestrial orbit and of an absence of pollution by the terrestrial atmosphere or the magnetosphere.
It is important to make the difference with the artificial satellite , which them, is intended to only be put on Orbite Ground stre. However, certain probes are intended to be put into orbit around another planets, satellites of planets (like our the Moon or Titan) or of asteroids (the such asteroid Itokawa).
Some successful missions
For almost fifty years, these machines have been sent with a rate of failure raised towards more or less remote Planet S. Their observations make as much dream the general public that the scientists. But the exact number of probes launched in space remains very difficult to apprehend. The summary table which follows gives a short outline of the means generated to explore the solar system:
Some missions in progress
See too
- List of space probes