NASA's Lucy Mission captures first close look at Donaldjohanson Asteroid

By the time most of us finish our morning coffee, NASA’s Lucy spacecraft is already millions of miles into the main asteroid belt, moving faster than a bullet. And now, after a successful encounter with asteroid Donaldjohanson in April, the Lucy team is feeling well prepared for what lies ahead.

Asteroid Flyby: A Key Trial Run
On April 20, Lucy zoomed past Donaldjohanson at incredible speed. The spacecraft captured a series of close-up images using its L’LORRI imager just before the flyby. This moment wasn’t just a photo opportunity—it was a full rehearsal. NASA scientists say the data gathered proves the team and spacecraft are ready for their main goal.

The mission's primary target is a group of asteroids near Jupiter. Known as the Trojan asteroids, these ancient rocks share Jupiter’s orbit. Lucy will meet the first of them, Eurybates, in August 2027. The Donaldjohanson flyby gave mission controllers a chance to test their systems before those big moments.

Cruising Toward the Outer Solar System
For now, Lucy is gliding through a quieter stretch of space. It is moving away from the Sun at over 30,000 miles per hour. The spacecraft is healthy and on course. The team continues to monitor its journey as it enters colder and darker territory.