Deep Space 2
Technology Demonstration & Subsurface Ice Detection
The two microprobes were launched piggybacked on the Mars Polar Lander spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) Space Launch Complex 17 (SLC-17) on January 3, 1999.
- Launch Vehicle
Boeing Delta II 7425. The upper stage consists of a spin stabilized Star 48 with a Nutation Control System and a yo-yo despin device.
- Microprobe Dimensions
Aeroshell: 275 mm (11 inches) high, 350 mm (14 inches) diameter
Forebody (Penetrator): 105.6 mm (4.2 inches) long, 39 mm (1.5 inches) diameter
Aftbody (Ground Station): 105.3 mm (4.1 inches) high (plus a 127 mm (5 inch) antenna, 136 mm (5.3 inches) diameter
- Microprobe Weight
Total: 3,574 grams (7.9 pounds)
Forebody: 670 grams (1.5 pounds)
Aftbody: 1,737 grams (3.8 pounds)
Aeroshell: 1,165 grams (2.6 pounds)
- Science Instruments
- Sample Collection/Water Detection Experiment
- Soil Thermal Experiment
- Atmospheric Descent Accelerometer
- Impact Accelerometer
- Microprobe Power
Two lighium-thionyl chloride batteries providing 600 milliamp-hours each
Total of 10 new technologies being flight-tested.
- Mission Timeline
- January 3, 1999: Launch
- December 3, 1999: Mars Impact
- Microprobes Cost
Total: $29.2 million
Pre-Launch Development: $28 million
Data Analysis: $1.2 million
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