Mark Aston

Mark Aston

Mark Aston serves as a Science & Technology consultant for GWR. A retired scientist and engineer, he brings nearly 40 years of experience of high-technology science and engineering to ensure GWR’s sci-tech records are accurate and informative. Mark’s career in both academia and commercial companies led to a lively career in new technology development.

NASA Spacecraft in Space

Smallest orbit by a spacecraft

The smallest orbit by a spacecraft around a planetary body was achieved by NASA's OSIRIS-REx around the asteroid 101955 Bennu. On 6 October 2020, the spacecraft maneouvred into a transfer orbit with a semi-major axis (average altitude) of just 832 m (2,730 ft). At its closest point, it was just 374 m (1,227 ft) above the surface of Bennu.

Photo: NASA/GSFC