CONTOUR:
CONTOUR (COmet Nucleus Tour) was designed to make a detailed study of the interior of at least two comets. Contact with the spacecraft was lost after an Aug. 15, 2002 engine burn that was intended to propel it out of Earth orbit.

A mishap investigation board determined that overheating during the engine burn caused the spacecraft to break apart. Mission controllers were unable to restore contact with the spacecraft.

Read More About CONTOUR

Visit the CONTOUR Website

3 Jul 2002:  Launch (06:47 UT) 15 Aug 2002:  Contact Lost 20 Dec 2002:  End of Mission Status:  Lost in Space		15 Oct 2003:  CONTOUR Mishap Investigation 20 Dec 2002:  CONTOUR Lost 18 Dec 2002:  CONTOUR Still Silent More Headlines
		Solar System Bodies: Comets