Deep Space 4
The Deep Space 4 Mission is in its phase B study for a
comet sample return from comet P/Tempel 1. (This was formerly the
Champollion probe for the Rosetta mission).
Mission Timeline
- May. 2003 - Launch
- Dec. 2005 - P/Tempel 1 encounter
IRTF Mission Support
- Knowledge of the nucleus/asteroid sizes and rotation are needed to
plan the photographic aspects of the mission, as well as to estimate the
gravity field. The IRTF is ideally suited for obtaining nucleus parameters,
such as size, albedo and rotation, which requires simultaneous thermal IR
and optical measurements.
- Excellent models of the dust environment of P/Tempel 1 will be
needed to allow for proper protection of the spacecraft and to ensure
adequate sampling of the dust.
Click here to return to the NASA / IRTF
Mission support homepage.
Last modified: Jan 28, 1998