Scheduled for July 2005, Deep Impact's spacecraft will arrive at comet Tempel 1 and become the first mission to impact the surface of a comet. A 350-kg (770-lbs.) copper mass impactor will create a spectacular football field-sized crater, seven stories deep. This is the first attempt to peer beneath the surface of a comet to its freshly exposed material for clues to the early formation of the solar system. The public can share in this exciting experiment by observing the impact and its effect from earth. Dramatic images from cameras on both the impactor and the spacecraft will be sent back to earth in near real-time and the event will be broadcast on television. In addition, amateur astronomers, many of whom are already tracking the comet, will offer communities a firsthand look at comet Tempel 1 before and during impact. If you want to join the team and participate in this incredible mission, visit often as Deep Impact develops opportunities for your community.
Latest News:
NASA Gives Go-Ahead to Build 'Deep Impact' Spacecraft
(May 24, 2001)
Deep Impact goes to Tempel 1! Speaking of impacts... Small Telescope Science Program: Real images of Comet Tempel 1
NASA Office of Space Science
Solar System Exploration Discovery Program
Small Body Missions
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Last Updated: 24-May-2001
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