NASA Ends NEOWISE Mission After 15 Years of Tracking Near-Earth Objects

The telescope's retirement paves the way for the next-generation NEO Surveyor, launching in 2027.

NEOWISE detected over 3,000 near-Earth objects, contributing significantly to planetary defense knowledge.
The mission's end comes as the Sun's activity increases, causing the spacecraft to deorbit.
NEO Surveyor, set to launch in 2027, aims to discover two-thirds of NEOs larger than 140 meters.
NEOWISE's data will continue to support future asteroid deflection missions like DART.
NASA's new telescope will enhance detection of potentially hazardous asteroids with advanced infrared technology.