The New Horizons Mission to the Pluto System and the Kuiper Belt

The NASA new horizons mission to the Pluto system and the Kuiper belt launched from Cape Canaveral on January 19, 2006 after a four-year development, and will arrive at Pluto closest-approach on July 14, 2015 after a 9.5- year cruise from Earth. Powered by a single radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) from the Galileo-Cassini design and launched on the first flight of a Lockheed Martin Atlas V-551 with a Boeing STAR 48B third stage, the project overcame numerous technical and programmatic challenges to take advantage of the best-last opportunity using existing technology to perform the first-ever reconnaissance of the Pluto system in our lifetime. The mission design for the 2006 launch uses a Jupiter gravity assist to achieve the shortest possible flight time. A rich science return from the Jupiter flyby (February 28, 2007) has been achieved. The engineering and programmatic challenges associated with the spacecraft design, RTG procurement, integration of Lockheed Martin and Boeing launch vehicle components, and the launch approval process are discussed. The current status of the spacecraft and mission is presented.