Abstract
The science objectives for the Near‐Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) Radio Science team include determining the masses of asteroids 253 Mathilde (to within 10%) and 433 Eros (<0.1%). While the NEAR spacecraft is in orbit about Eros, the radiometric spacecraft tracking data, the optical landmark tracking data, and the lidar altimetry measurements will be used to determine the gravity field of Eros. Comparisons of this gravity field with one determined from Eros shape models (assuming constant density) will provide constraints upon the internal structure of this asteroid. In addition, the spin state, principal axes, and moments of inertia will be determined as part of the Radio Science activities. A campaign to meet the radio science objectives will require the close cooperation of the NEAR Navigation, Imaging, and Lidar teams.
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