The dataset includes the astronomical images from the Near-Earth Object Surveillance Satellite (NEOSSat). NEOSSat was launched on February 25, 2013 and it is the first space satellite dedicated to detecting and tracking asteroids and satellites. The suitcase-sized NEOSSat orbits at an altitude of approximately 780 kilometres above the Earth, searching for near-Earth asteroids that are difficult to spot using ground-based telescopes. Because of its lofty location, it is not limited by the day-night cycle and can operate 24/7. It circles the globe every 100 minutes, and, in part due to its large baffle, is able to scan space near the Sun in order to detect asteroids that may someday pass close to Earth. Through NEOSSat, Canada is participating in the international effort of the world’s space agencies to catalogue the near-Earth population of asteroids and produce information that can be used to target new destinations for future space exploration missions.
More information on NEOSSAT: http://asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellites/neossat/default.asp
