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This American mission tested twelve advanced technologies to benefit future space travel. After it completed its mission, the spacecraft passed by an asteroid and a comet, providing scientists with additional information.
The American Deep Space 1 was launched on October 24, 1998 . Its primary mission was to test twelve advanced technologies to lower the cost and risk of future space missions, such as an ion propulsion drive and an artificial intelligence navigation system. Although this mission cost about 149.7 million US dollars, it was a great success and contribution to space exploration. Because of this technology testing, many future missions that would have been unaffordable or were thought to be impossible are now feasible.
After it completed this mission, scientists were delighted to discover a passing comet. Deep Space 1 carried out an extended mission to pass closely by the comet Borrelly and the asteroid Braille to make detailed observations. It took the best and most detailed photographs ever taken of a comet. Deep Space 1 retired on December 19, 2001.
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