S-class asteroid
Quick Summary
S-class asteroids are a taxonomic classification of asteroids characterized by a moderate albedo and spectral reflectivity that is very red at wavelengths shorter than 0.7 micrometres. They typically exhibit an absorption band between 0.9 and 1.0 micrometres. S-class asteroids are known to contain significant amounts of silicates and metals, including the minerals olivine and pyroxene, on their surfaces.1
These asteroids are considered potential sources for ordinary chondrite meteorites. While their surface mineralogy was initially a puzzle, dust samples returned from the S(IV) asteroid Itokawa by the Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa revealed that their interior composition is identical to ordinary chondrites. This discrepancy was attributed to space weathering processes, such as meteorite impacts and solar radiation, which alter the surface properties of airless bodies.2
S-class asteroids are more prevalent in the inner regions of the asteroid belt.3
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- asteroidSpacecraft exploration
…miles), established that Gaspra, an S-class asteroid, is an irregular body with dimensions of 19 × 12 × 11 km (12 × 7.5 × 6.8 miles). Nearly two years later, in August 1993, Galileo flew by (243) Ida, another S-class asteroid. Ida was found to be somewhat crescent-shaped when viewed…
Read More…miles), established that Gaspra, an S-class asteroid, is an irregular body with dimensions of 19 × 12 × 11 km (12 × 7.5 × 6.8 miles). Nearly two years later, in August 1993, Galileo flew by (243) Ida, another S-class asteroid. Ida was found to be somewhat crescent-shaped when viewed…
Read More - asteroidComposition
K- and S-class asteroids have moderate albedos and spectral reflectances similar to the stony iron meteorites, and they are known to contain significant amounts of silicates and metals, including the minerals olivine and pyroxene on their surfaces. M-class asteroids are moderate-albedo objects, may have significant amounts of…
Read MoreK- and S-class asteroids have moderate albedos and spectral reflectances similar to the stony iron meteorites, and they are known to contain significant amounts of silicates and metals, including the minerals olivine and pyroxene on their surfaces. M-class asteroids are moderate-albedo objects, may have significant amounts of…
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