(55638) 2002 VE95 is a trans-Neptunian object (TNO) located in the outer region of the Solar System beyond the orbit of Neptune. It was discovered on November 14, 2002, by astronomers of the Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking (NEAT) program at the Palomar Observatory in California. The provisional designation "2002 VE95" indicates the year and half-month of its discovery, along with a sequential identifier for minor planet discoveries during that period. The number (55638) reflects its permanent numerical designation assigned by the Minor Planet Center after its orbit was sufficiently confirmed.
This object is classified as a plutino, a dynamical group of TNOs that orbit the Sun in a 2:3 mean-motion resonance with Neptune—meaning it completes two orbits for every three orbits of Neptune. This resonance helps stabilize its orbit despite gravitational perturbations.
Spectroscopic observations have indicated that (55638) 2002 VE95 has surface characteristics consistent with the presence of water ice and possibly complex organic materials. Some studies have also reported the detection of methanol ice and other volatile ices on its surface, suggesting it may exhibit surface composition similarities with other large TNOs.
The object's size has been estimated using thermal measurements from space-based infrared observatories such as the Spitzer Space Telescope and Herschel Space Observatory. Based on these data, its diameter is estimated to be approximately 250 to 300 kilometers, though exact dimensions remain uncertain due to limited observational data.
(55638) 2002 VE95 has an orbit with a semimajor axis of about 39.4 astronomical units (AU), an eccentricity of approximately 0.08, and an orbital inclination of roughly 3.4 degrees relative to the ecliptic plane. These orbital parameters are typical for plutinos.
No satellite or moon has been detected in association with (55638) 2002 VE95. Accurate information on its rotation period, albedo, and detailed surface composition remains limited. Ongoing observations may refine these physical and dynamical properties in the future.