Deep Space 1's mission to test 12 advanced technologies in deep space has been a roaring success (although out there in deep space, nothing exactly roars, you know). Thanks to the mission, JPL expects to be able to lower risk to future science-driven missions — and not incidentally their cost. But for the gallant little guy, it's bye-bye baby now.
          Launched in October 1998, Deep Space 1 had pretty much completed its mission by September 1999. So DS-1 was assigned to fly by Comet Borrelly, a job it also managed sucessifully. Although along the way it lost its star tracker (an instrument that helps determine the spacecraft's orientation) it managed to give the best look at the comet that researchers have had so far.
          But despite its success, Project Manager Dr. Marc Rayman seems a little wistful about saying goodbye. Considering DS-1's closing days, he says, "I remember when my grandfather died at an old age, a friend of mine from China said, "Oh, you should be happy." I immediately understood: rather than being sad he died, I was happy he had lived so long. So I suppose I have the same feeling with Deep Space 1. Although I'm sorry it's over, but I'm happy it accomplished so much! And the mission ends on our terms, with a graceful and planned termination after all objectives are complete. I think the mission inspired many people who saw it as JPL and NASA at our best — bold, exciting, resourceful and productive."
          Been great knowing you, Little Guy!