Deep Impact
AgencyNASA
Year2005
TypeComet impact
RocketDelta II
CountryUSA
About the Mission
Fired a 370 kg copper projectile into comet Tempel 1. The impact excavated a crater and ejected material for analysis. Revealed the comet was softer and dustier than expected. The mothership was later repurposed to visit another comet. Proved that kinetic impact can alter a comets path, relevant for planetary defense.
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