# Deep Space 1

> spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q49502](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q49502)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Space_1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/deep-space-1

## Summary
Deep Space 1 (DS1) is an unmanned robotic space probe operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Launched on October 24, 1998, it was designed to explore outer space beyond Earth's orbit rather than circling the planet. The spacecraft was manufactured by Spectrum Astro and retired on December 18, 2001.

## Key Facts
- **Class:** Space probe (unmanned robotic spacecraft for deep space exploration).
- **Operator:** National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
- **Manufacturer:** Spectrum Astro.
- **Launch Date:** October 24, 1998 (Time: 12:08:01).
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Delta II (specifically D261).
- **Retirement Date:** December 18, 2001.
- **Spacecraft Bus:** LEOStar-3.
- **COSPAR ID:** 1998-061A.
- **NAIF ID:** -30.

## FAQs
### Q: What kind of spacecraft is Deep Space 1?
A: Deep Space 1 is a space probe, which is an unmanned robotic spacecraft designed to explore further into outer space rather than orbiting the Earth.

### Q: When was Deep Space 1 launched and retired?
A: The spacecraft was launched on October 24, 1998, and its mission concluded with its retirement on December 18, 2001.

### Q: Who manufactured and operated Deep Space 1?
A: Deep Space 1 was manufactured by Spectrum Astro using the LEOStar-3 spacecraft bus and was operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

## Why It Matters
Deep Space 1 serves as a distinct entry in the history of space exploration hardware. As a space probe, its primary role was to travel beyond Earth's orbit, contributing to humanity's understanding of outer space. The mission is notable for its specific technical configuration, utilizing the LEOStar-3 bus manufactured by Spectrum Astro, which distinguishes it from other probes of the era.

The project highlights the logistical complexity of deep space missions. Launched via a Delta II rocket (configuration D261) from Cape Canaveral, the mission spanned roughly three years before being deliberately retired. Its identification codes, such as the COSPAR ID 1998-061A and NAIF ID -30, ensure precise tracking and data management within international and NASA scientific catalogs. By fulfilling the definition of a space probe—leaving Earth's vicinity to explore further into the cosmos—it executed the fundamental function of robotic interplanetary research.

## Notable For
- Being a dedicated **space probe** designed to explore deep space rather than orbit Earth.
- Utilizing the **LEOStar-3** spacecraft bus platform.
- Launching aboard a **Delta II** rocket (variant D261).
- Being manufactured by **Spectrum Astro**.
- Operating under the specific COSPAR identification **1998-061A**.

## Body
### Mission Timeline
Deep Space 1 began its journey with a rocket launch on October 24, 1998. The launch took place at 12:08:01 from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A. After an operational period lasting roughly three years, the mission concluded with the spacecraft's retirement on December 18, 2001.

### Technical Specifications
The spacecraft is classified as a space probe, defined as an unmanned robotic vehicle that does not orbit Earth but explores further into outer space. It was built upon the **LEOStar-3** spacecraft bus by the manufacturer **Spectrum Astro**. The probe is operated by the **National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)**.

### Launch and Identification
The vehicle used to propel Deep Space 1 into space was a **Delta II**, a retired expendable launch system. This specific launch is identified by the variant code D261.
Internationally, the mission is tracked under the COSPAR ID **1998-061A** and the NSSDCA ID **1998-061A**. Within NASA's Navigation and Ancillary Information Facility (NAIF) system, it is assigned the ID **-30**. Other catalog identifiers include the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) **25508**.

### Aliases and Media
The spacecraft is commonly referred to by the alias **DS1**. Visual records of the entity include a designated logo and images of the craft being lifted for integration. A 3D model (STL format) is also archived for the entity.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ds-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/nmp/ds1/index.php)