DEEP IMPACT LAUNCHED -
January 12, 2005 at 1:47:08 p.m. EST
NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., today. The mission will travel to a comet and release an impactor on July 4, creating a crater on the surface of the comet. Scientists believe the exposed materials may give clues to the formation of our solar system. Check back for post-launch updates.
Deep Impact Launch Coverage
Deep Impact has successfully separated from the Delta II's third stage at 2:22 p.m. EST, and is on its way to Comet Tempel 1.
NASA link
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Deep Impact (1998 Movie)
" Science-fiction disaster drama about the possible extinction of human life after a comet is discovered headed toward Earth with the collision only one year away.... United States President... announces the government's solution: a team of astronauts will travel [ aboard the spaceship Messiah ]to the comet and destroy it. "
Movie Link
