[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Deep Space 1 Successfully Launched



MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICE
JET PROPULSION LABORATORY
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
PASADENA, CALIF. 91109  TELEPHONE (818) 354-5011
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov

                  DEEP SPACE 1 MISSION STATUS
                       October 24, 1998

     Deep Space 1, the first spacecraft in NASA's New Millennium 
Program of missions to flight-test new technologies, blasted 
into space at 8:08 a.m. Eastern time today from Cape Canaveral 
Air Station, FL.

     Deep Space 1 separated from the Delta II launch vehicle 
about 550 kilometers (345 miles) above the Indian Ocean and was 
sent on its way to test 12 technologies in coming months. The 
spacecraft is on a trajectory to fly by asteroid 1992 KD in July 
1999, allowing further validation of two science instruments. 

     All critical spacecraft systems, such as power, temperature 
and attitude control were performing well, the spacecraft team 
reported from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA.  Two 
technologies -- large solar arrays and a new radio 
transmitter/receiver -- were validated within the first two 
hours after launch. "The Deep Space 1 spacecraft is in fine 
health and is ready to begin its mission of technology 
validation," said Deputy Mission Manager Dr. Marc Rayman at JPL. 

     Telemetry was received from the spacecraft through NASA's 
Deep Space Network at 1 hour, 37 minutes after launch, and 13 
minutes later it was determined that the spacecraft's two solar 
arrays had been deployed. A key new technology, the spacecraft's 
ion engine, will be tested for the first time in approximately 
two weeks. 

     The New Millennium Program is designed to test new 
technologies so that they can be confidently used on science 
missions of the 21st century. 

                             #####

----------
Archives located at:
http://www.meteoritecentral.com/list_best.html

For help, FAQ's and sub. info. visit:
http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing_list.html
----------