Spectrum Astro has delivered the Deep Space 1, the first NASA New Millennium programme spacecraft, to the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, in preparation for launch on a Boeing Delta II 7326 booster from Cape Canaveral on 15 October.
The craft, which weighs 490kg (1,100lb), will demonstrate new technologies for future interplanetary and science missions, including an ion propulsion system, which will be validated during the initial two months of the craft's mission.
The spacecraft will undertake a fly-by of asteroid 1992 KD in July 1999 as a secondary objective. Other possible fly-by targets include asteroid Wilson Harrington in January 2001 and, eight months later, the comet Borrelly.
Source: Flight International
