Deep Space 1 Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
The spacecraft Deep Space 1 was launched October 24, 1998 on top of a Delta rocket. The primary mission was the test of 12 advanced technologies in order to lower the cost and risk of future missions.Among these technologies:
- ion thruster
- autonav - autonomous navigation system
- Remote agent - remote self-repair intelligent software
The ion propulsion engine initially failed after 4 hours of operation. However, it was later restored to action and performed excellently.
Autonav system required a couple of manual corrections. Mostly for problems with identifying objects that were not bright enough or were difficult to identify for the interference of light.
The asteroid flyby was planned at 56,000 km/h at only 240 meters. Due to technical difficulties (incl. software crash on approach), the craft passed the asteroid at the distance of 26 km. Unfortunately, the asteroid was not bright enough for the autonav to focus the camera in the right direction. In the end, the picture shot was delayed by almost an hour.
Quick facts:
- the mass of the craft: 486.32 kg (including fuel)
- total cost $149.7 million
- development cost $94.8 million
- launch site: Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida
- maximum power: 2500W (of which 2100W powers the ion thrust engine)
- project manager: Dr. Marc Rayman