Arrokoth (486958): New Horizons Images and 3D Shape Models

2,229 raw and processed images of Kuiper Belt Object Arrokoth captured by the New Horizons spacecraft's LORRI and MVIC instruments. The data archive includes high-resolution image sets, satellite and ring search images, and deconvolved stacks, along with two detailed 3D shape models in kilometer-scale units. John Spencer and colleagues published this data in Science in 2020 to support the geological and geophysical analysis of Arrokoth.

Use Cases

• Analyzing surface geology and albedo variations based on the high-resolution LORRI images.
• Conducting searches for potential satellites or rings around Arrokoth using the dedicated image sets.
• Creating or validating 3D topographic models based on the provided stereo-derived and global shape models.
• Performing photometric studies based on the FITS header information containing timing, pointing, and exposure data.

Strengths

• Includes 2,229 individual raw images across multiple observational sequences.
• Provides two detailed 3D shape models (global and stereo-derived) with physical scale (kilometers).
• FITS image headers contain detailed support information like timing, pointing, and instrument mode.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

New Horizons mission, published by John Spencer et al. in Science (2020).

Collection Method

Direct imaging by the LORRI and MVIC instruments aboard the New Horizons spacecraft.

Geography

Kuiper Belt Object (486958) Arrokoth.