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Deep Space 1 launched 18 years ago this month

October 21st, 2016

What launched nearly 18 years ago, flew by an asteroid and a comet, and used ion propulsion?

Deep Space 1!

After launching on October 24, 1998 from Cape Canaveral, Deep Space 1 tested many high-risk technologies that became critical for future missions. After the tests, the spacecraft embarked on an extended mission, which included flying within 17 miles of the asteroid Braille.

Deep Space 1 ion thruster. Image credit: NASA/JPL

Deep Space 1 ion thruster. Image credit: NASA/JPL

What else occurred during the extended mission? NASA commanded the spacecraft on a course to encounter a comet! In 2001, the spacecraft flew by the comet Borrelly.

Deep Space 1's encounter with the comet Borrelly. Image credit: NASA/JPL

Deep Space 1’s encounter with the comet Borrelly. Image credit: NASA/JPL

The spacecraft took pictures, studied the surface of the comet, identified and quantified gases, and measured how the solar wind interacts with Borrelly.

What was tested on the spacecraft? Autonomous systems, advanced solar concentrator arrays, two science instruments, telecommunications, and microelectronics systems. This was all in addition to the groundbreaking ion engine that was the spacecraft’s main source of thrust.

When the mission experienced a failure in its star tracker which determines the orientation of the spacecraft, engineers were able to save the overall mission by developing new ways to operate the spacecraft. By sending new software to Deep Space 1 and using the onboard camera, a replacement tool for navigation was established and saved the mission, making it among the most successful space rescues ever.

The mission concluded on December 18, 2001.

Learn more about the mission at NASA.gov.

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