SMRTR Science & EngineeringFeb 22, 2026Live Science

Scientists propose new plan to 'catch' comet 3I/ATLAS — but we have to act fast

SMRTR summary

Scientists have proposed a new mission to intercept comet 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar object ever detected, using an innovative Solar Oberth maneuver that would launch in 2035 and take 50 years to reach the comet. This indirect approach is necessary because the comet was discovered too late for a direct mission, traveling at over 60 km/s beyond Jupiter's orbit.

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