Deep Space 1 is first Space probe program New Millenium of NASA, whose main aim is to test twelve new technologies, including one ionic Moteur, allowing the reduction in the costs and the risks of the later missions. It was launched the October 24th 1998 of the center of shooting of Cap Canaveral (Florida) by a rocket Delta II.

Deep Space 1 achieved its mission with a great success, achieving even its secondary goals: the overflight of the surroundings of the Asteroid (9969) Braille and of the Comet Borrelly, as well as the collection of scientific data and photographs of these stars. The mission finished the December 18th 2001.

Technologies

• an ionic Driving fed electrically with the solar panels;
• Autonav : an autonomous navigation system which reduces the number of interventions since the ground;
• Remote agent : program which makes it possible the probe to diagnose its errors and to be repaired by it even in the event of dysfunction;
• SDST ( Small, Deep-Space Transponder ): a system radio miniaturized;
• MICAS ( Miniature Integrated Camera And Spectrometer ): a combination of small scientific instruments such as a Camera and a Spectrometer;
• PEPE Plasma Experiment for Planetary Exploration ): another combination of instruments;
• SCARLET ( Solar Concentrator Array off Refractive Linear Element Technologies ): solar panels providing a power of 2500 Watts;
• Beacon Monitor : a system allowing the probe to send information relating to its state and to warn the Earth in the event of problem.

The probe

Figures

• Mass of the probe (fuel included/understood): 486,32 kg
• Total costs of the mission: 149,7 million dollars
• Development cost: 94,8 million dollars
• Maximum power: 2500 W (including 2100 W for the ionic engine)

External bonds

• '' Deep Space 1 website At the Jet Propulsion Laboratory ''
• '' The Encyclopedia Astronautica ''