Results from the Deep Space 1 technology validation mission

Launched on October 24, 1998, Deep Space 1 (DS1) is the first mission of NASA's New Millennium program, chartered to validate in space high-risk, new technologies important for future space and Earth science programs. The advanced technology payload that was tested on DS1 comprises solar electric propulsion, solar concentrator arrays, autonomous on-board navigation and other autonomous systems, several telecommunications and microelectronics devices, and two low-mass integrated science instrument packages. The technologies were rigorously exercised so that subsequent flight projects would not have to incur the cost and risk of being the first users of these new capabilities. The performances of the technologies are described as are the general execution of the mission and plans for future operations, including a possible extended mission that would be devoted to science. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. AII rights reserved.