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Delta II Rocket Model, NASA, "Deep Impact" - Dragon Wings 56243
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Description
Dragon Models “Dragon Wings” Diecast Model
ULA Delta II Rocket with Launch Pad - NASA, "Deep Impact"
1:400 scale. Height: 4”
The United States planned to phase out all expendable launch vehicles (ELV) after the Space Shuttle entered service. However, after the Challenger accident in 1986 the Delta program was restarted. Delta II rockets have made nearly 150 successful launches since 1989 making it the most reliable system in service. Originally built by McDonnell Douglas, production for both the Government and commercial entities is now the responsibility of United Launch Alliance (ULA).
As an ELV each rocket can only be launched once. A Delta II rocket consists of Stage I tanks, solid rocket boosters, interstage, Stage II tanks, optional Stage III rocket motor, and finally the payload fairing (nose cone). Among the Delta II’s missions are the launching of a GPS Block II satellites, Iridium satellites, and several Mars missions for NASA. The latter includes the Mars Phoenix lander in 2007. The future of the Delta II space rocket is uncertain beyond 2011 once the Medium Launch Vehicle 3 contract with the U.S. Air Force expires, but despite this it has proved a hugely successful design to date.
Deep Impact was a NASA Discovery Mission for studying the interior composition of the comet Tempel 1. The spacecraft accomplished the mission by releasing a smaller impactor to collide with the comet then took measurements with the "flyby" spacecraft after the impact. Launched on January 12, 2005 on a Delta II rocket, it was the first space mission to eject material from a comets surface and reveal the secrets of its interior. Results will lead to a better understanding of the solar system's formation and implications of comets colliding with Earth.
The Dragon Wings Space Collection includes high quality, fully assembled, die-cast models of spacecraft and rockets. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail using original specifications. They are constructed with diecast metal and some plastic components.
More models in this category: Dragon Wings Space Collection
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