Deep Impact

Deep Imcapt. Photo: NASA/JPL

Lost contact with the Deep Impact spacecraft

Comet Hartley as imaged in 2011 by the Epoxy/Deep Impact spacecraft

Comet Hartley 2 - additional findings

Comet Hartley as imaged in 2011 by the Epoxy/Deep Impact spacecraft

The encounter with Comet Hartley

This sharpened image, taken on November 4, 2010 as the Epoxy spacecraft approached Comet Hartley 2, reveals a cloud of ice particles surrounding the comet's active nucleus.

Snow on Comet Hartley 2

Comet Hartley 2 as seen from Earth through telescopes on October 13, 2010

Prospects for meteorites following the passage of Comet Hartley 2

The EPOXI route. Credit NASA/JPL

The Deep Impact spacecraft passed over the Earth to gain momentum

Do spaceships have life after death?

Cosmic scene with DNA, stars, solvents and atomic circles in oral flow.

Water was discovered on the moon

Cosmic scene with DNA, stars, solvents and atomic circles in oral flow.

The Deep Impact spacecraft passed by Earth on Monday

Cosmic scene with DNA, stars, solvents and atomic circles in oral flow.

Live updates from Deep Impact mission

Cosmic scene with DNA, stars, solvents and atomic circles in oral flow.

Deep Impact is already leaving its mark on cometary science

Cosmic scene with DNA, stars, solvents and atomic circles in oral flow.

The goal: shooting a "ball" with a comet