High-tech NASA spacecraft Dawn is set to approach Vesta by July 16.

Vesta, an asteroid located in a belt region between Mars and Jupiter that's populated by many asteroids, is interesting to scientists because it's believed to be a remnant of an embryonic planet.

As such, it may hold answers to theories regarding how planets like the earth were formed.

We can't wait for Dawn to peel back the layers of time and reveal the early history of our solar system, said Christopher Russell, Dawn principal investigator, at UCLA.

Another exciting feature of the trip is the Dawn spacecraft itself. Launched in 2007, it features futurist ion (electrically charged atom or molecule) thrusters. A major advantage of this technology is less fuel usage, which enables the Dawn to embark on a very long mission.

The Dawn will also be the first spacecraft to visit Vesta and then Ceres (a nearby dwarf planet). Moreover, it'll be the first spacecraft to orbit around celestial bodies for prolonged periods to collect detailed data. Previously, spacecrafts just flew by celestial bodies to collect data in a limited time frame.

The Dawn will study Vesta between 2011 and 2012 and Ceres in 2015. Below are artist renderings of Dawn's approach to Vesta and other photos.

Model of Vesta, using scientists039 best guess to date of what the surface of the protoplanet might look like.
Model of Vesta, using scientists' best guess to date of what the surface of the protoplanet might look like. NASA
NASAs Dawn spacecraft obtained this image on its approach to the protoplanet Vesta
NASA's Dawn spacecraft obtained this image on its approach to the protoplanet Vesta. NASA
NASA039s Dawn spacecraft, illustrated in this artist039s concept, is propelled by ion engines. Image credit
NASA's Dawn spacecraft, illustrated in this artist's concept, is propelled by ion engines. Image credit: NASA
Artists concept of NASAs Dawn spacecraft. The giant asteroid Vesta, Dawns next destination, is on the lower left. The largest body in the asteroid belt and Dawns second destination, dwarf planet Ceres, is on the upper right.
Artist’s concept of NASA’s Dawn spacecraft. The giant asteroid Vesta, Dawn’s next destination, is on the lower left. The largest body in the asteroid belt and Dawn’s second destination, dwarf planet Ceres, is on the upper right. NASA
Ion thruster
Ion thruster NASA
Ion thruster
Ion thruster NASA
NASA NASA NASA Asteroid