NEW HORIZONS

NEW HORIZONS will use a remote sensing package that includes imaging instruments and a radio science investigation, as well as spectroscopic and other experiments, to characterize the global geology and morphology of Pluto and its moon Charon, map their surface composition and characterize Pluto's neutral atmosphere and its escape rate. Scientists expect to find a complex world -- with areas "darker than coal" and "brighter than snow." The mission plan also called for a fly by of Kuiper Belt Objects in 2026. TiNi Pinpullers and SMA Actuators used to release various instrument cover doors.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/newhorizons/main/index.html


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