MISSION NAME
Deep Impact (DIF)
Status
Success
DATE
12 JAN 2005
LAUNCH PROVIDER
United States Air Force
Launch Pad
Space Launch Complex 17B
Description
Deep Impact was to fly by Comet 9P/Tempel-1 on 3 July 2005. An impacter it released was to hit the comet on 4 July at 10.2 km/s, producing a crater and ejecta plume that would allow the flyby spacecraft to determine the composition and structure of the comet's nucleus.
Delta II 7925-9.5
Rocket Description
Delta II is an American space launch system developed by McDonnell Douglas, now part of the Delta rocket family operated by United Launch Alliance. With more than 150 missions and a nearly perfect track record, Delta II has established itself as one of the most successful orbital launch systems.