In July, DS1 flew within an estimated 16 miles of asteroid Braille, a small, mile-long object made of common minerals such as olivine. Although researchers were unsure whether PEPE would detect any plasma emitted from the object, the confirmed lack of detection allowed scientists to set a stringent upper limit to the amount of outgasing and sputtered materials lost from the asteroid. DS1 is next targeted for encounters with comets Wilson-Harrington and Borrelly in 2001. SwRI developed structural and thermal models of two instruments for a European comet mission. Design activities are currently under way.
Simulations suggest that a Mars-sized body impacted the Earth, leading to the moon's formation.
Development continues on models that describe other impact scenarios, as well as potential effects of the impact on the later evolution of the Earth-moon system. SwRI scientists were selected to participate in the first spacecraft mission to Mercury since 1975. Following its arrival in 2009, it will study Mercury's shape, interior, magnetic field, and surface. SwRI researchers will study the planet's surface geology. It will arrive at Mars in late 2003.