Touchdown Site on Asteroid Eros . ... Credit Copyright: NEAR Project , JHU APL , NASA Explanation: The first controlled descent of a spacecraft onto an asteroid is scheduled to occur next week. The robot spacecraft NEAR-Shoemaker has been orbiting asteroid Eros for nearly one year On February 12, before maneuvering fuel wanes, NASA will command the craft to descend right down onto the surface . ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...