Astronomy Picture of the Day · July 7, 2012

Gravitational Tractor

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for July 7, 2012 is “Gravitational Tractor,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Illustration Credit & Copyright: Dan Durda ( FIAAA , B612 Foundation )). The original explanation runs about 134 words.

From the explanation

“How would you change the course of an Earth-threatening asteroid? One idea – a massive spacecraft that uses gravity as a towline – is illustrated in this dramatic artist’s view of a gravitational tractor in action.”

— APOD editors, July 7, 2012

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date: July 7, 2012
Type: Image
Credit: Credit: Illustration Credit & Copyright: Dan Durda ( FIAAA , B612 Foundation )
Copyright: Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length: About 134 words

All of July 2012 → · 2012 by month → · Full archive since 1995 →

Topics in this entry

Asteroids

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

On this day: July 7 in other years

On Amazon

Popular picks for space fans

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Electronics Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB Read astronomy and space-history books anywhere. View on Amazon → Electronics Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones Noise-cancelling headphones for documentaries and launch livestreams. View on Amazon →

Source

Astronomy Picture of the Day, July 7, 2012 — science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-2012-july-7-gravitational-tractor

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.