Don Quijote

As part of the near Earth Asteroid observation program www.esa.int/gsp/completed/neo/ the esa has selected this www.esa.int/gsp/completed/neo/donquijote.html project.

In true scientific spirit it will `measure the orbital deflection of the asteroid as a result of the impact (from another spacecraft)`, ie kick the asteroid and see where it goes

Nww why the project is named after someone who is visibly crazy to most people. He believes ordinary inns to be enchanted castles, and their peasant girls to be beautiful princesses. He mistakes windmills for oppressive giants sent by evil enchanters. He imagines a neighboring peasant to be Dulcinea del Toboso, the beautiful maiden to whom he has pledged love and fidelity. (wikipedia.org) is another matter! Let just hope it doesnt suddenly think the Earth is an asteroid!

Cheers,
~Al

Sp the ESA is going to be tilting at windmills! An excellent name, cos Dpn Quixote's actions were useless and had no effect on his target!

Strange name but an interesting project none the less.

Bart.