Shawnzyoo said:does anyone know the reason why they used a copper "impactor" for the deep impact mission?
is it for its corrosion resistance?
thanks
The impactor is made primarily of copper (49%) as opposed to aluminum (24%) because it minimizes corruption of spectral emission lines that are used to analyze the nucleus.
The Deep Impact Mission was a space exploration mission launched by NASA in 2005. Its main objective was to study the composition and structure of a comet by sending a spacecraft to collide with it.
The Copper Impactor was a component of the Deep Impact Mission designed to impact the surface of the comet. It was made of copper because of its high density and ability to create a large crater upon impact.
The Copper Impactor collided with the comet at a speed of 10.2 km/s, creating a crater about 100 meters wide and 30 meters deep. This allowed scientists to study the inner layers of the comet, providing valuable information about its composition and structure.
The Deep Impact Mission revealed that the comet was made of ice, dust, and organic materials. It also found evidence of water, hydrocarbons, and amino acids, which are building blocks of life. Additionally, the mission provided insights into the formation and evolution of comets.
The Deep Impact Mission significantly advanced our understanding of comets and their role in the solar system. It showed that comets are not just icy objects, but also contain a variety of complex materials. The mission also provided important data for future studies on comets and their potential as a source of water and organic compounds for life on Earth.