(121717) Josephschepis Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 7 December 1999 by CSS at Catalina.
Named in appreciation of Joseph P. Schepis (b. 1960), whose accomplishments include numerous structures and mechanisms used in space science and Earth science missions. He contributed to the OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission as the Mechanical System Lead.Naming citation (MPC batch dated 2016-08-18), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Josephschepis is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Josephschepis is 2.63 au from the Sun and 2.30 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 121717 |
| Provisional designation | 1999 XA123 |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 15.12 |
| Orbital period | 5.30 years |
| Semi-major axis | 3.04 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 2.62 – 3.46 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.138 |
| Inclination | 9.99° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 1.64 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.
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