Flyby Spacecraft Mockup

This is a full scale model (mockup) of the Deep Impact Flyby spacecraft. It was created as a tool to build the wire harness (cable containing power and signal wires to and from the spacecraft's systems). It includes the radio antenna (top) sending signals to the Deep Space Network on Earth for spacecraft command and control and data acquisition. The sphere in the center of the spacecraft is the fuel tank containing up to 85 kg of hydrazine fuel. Mockups of all electronic boxes with connectors will exist in this model and all of the wires for the spacecraft are routed from these connectors. When the wire harness is complete it will be removed from the model, cleaned, tested and installed on the actual Flyby spacecraft. Another important function of the model is helping to refine the design so that all electronics are accessible and readily integrated into the spacecraft. The location and mass distribution of the wire harness is critical not only for robust electrical circuits but for mass balance as well.

CREDIT: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.