Deep Impact
Deep Impact is a NASA space probe mission that was launched on January 12, 2005, with the primary objective of studying the interior composition of a comet. The mission focused on Tempel 1, a comet in the Jupiter family. Here are detailed aspects of the mission:
Objective
The main goal of Deep Impact was to excavate the surface of Tempel 1 by using a high-speed impactor, allowing scientists to study the interior of the comet, its composition, and the structure of its nucleus. This provided insights into the formation of the solar system and the origin of water on Earth.
Mission Components
- Flyby Spacecraft: This part of the spacecraft continued to observe the comet after the impactor's collision.
- Impactor: A 370 kg (815 lb) "smart" impactor was released from the flyby spacecraft and collided with Tempel 1 at a speed of approximately 10.2 km/s (6.3 mi/s).
Key Events
- Launch: The Atlas V rocket launched the spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.
- Impact: On July 4, 2005, the impactor successfully collided with Tempel 1, creating a crater estimated to be around 150 meters (490 feet) in diameter.
- Observation: Both the flyby spacecraft and ground-based telescopes observed the impact and its aftermath. The data collected included images, spectra, and thermal measurements.
Scientific Findings
- The impact revealed that Tempel 1 was not as porous as expected, indicating it had undergone significant compaction or was formed from material with less porosity than initially thought.
- Water ice was detected, supporting theories about comets contributing to Earth's water.
- The comet's surface was found to be covered with fine dust, possibly from past solar heating and sublimation.
Extended Missions
After the initial impact, the flyby spacecraft was renamed EPOXI (Extrasolar Planet Observation and Deep Impact Extended Investigation). This extended mission had two components:
- Extending the Science: The spacecraft was redirected to observe other comets, notably Hartley 2, providing a comparison with Tempel 1.
- Extrasolar Planet Observation: EPOXI was also used to study extrasolar planets.
Legacy
The Deep Impact mission significantly advanced our understanding of comets and their role in the solar system's history. It also demonstrated the feasibility of precision targeting and the study of celestial bodies through impact.
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