Mission

What will DS1 do on its mission?

What will happen to DS1 after its done with all of its mission objectives?

Since the primary mission of DS1 is to test technology, it will finish its objectives very quickly into the mission (about 10 to 11 months from launch). After that, scientists at NASA will take a look at DS1's position and heading and see what it will encounter that's worth investigating. DS1 will continue to operate its equipment and collect and communicate data until it is far enough from the Sun that the solar panels don't make enough energy for the equipment to work anymore.


What is DS1's programmed course?
How long will DS1's mission take?
How does a spacecraft get to where its going?
What happens to a ship when it runs out of power?
How do objects in space travel?
What happens to a ship when its remote agent "dies?"

How is NASA overseeing the DS1 mission?
Why do solar panels become less useful the farther they get from the Sun?
What would happen if DS1 ran out of fuel?