The Deep Space 2's twin microprobes were designed to smash into Mars at 80,000 G's, and separate into two parts while penetrating the ground. Their miniature instruments and systems were to be tested to see if they would work under the harsh conditions. Unfortunately, as the probes were nearing Mars on a trajectory to enter the atmosphere contact with the probes was lost.

Deep Space 2 was developed by NASA's New Millennium Program, an advanced-technology development program, the microprobes were to also conduct experiments to test for the presence of water ice in the soil.

	This file is in the public domain in the United States because it was solely created by NASA. NASA copyright policy states that "NASA material is not protected by copyright unless noted". (See Template:PD-USGov, NASA copyright policy page or JPL Image Use Policy.)
	Warnings: Use of NASA logos, insignia and emblems is restricted per U.S. law 14 CFR 1221. The NASA website hosts a large number of images from the Soviet/Russian space agency, and other non-American space agencies. These are not necessarily in the public domain. Materials based on Hubble Space Telescope data may be copyrighted if they are not explicitly produced by the STScI.[1] See also {{PD-Hubble}} and {{Cc-Hubble}}. The SOHO (ESA & NASA) joint project implies that all materials created by its probe are copyrighted and require permission for commercial non-educational use. [2] Images featured on the Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) web site may be copyrighted. [3] The National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) site has been known to host copyrighted content. Its photo gallery FAQ states that all of the images in the photo gallery are in the public domain "Unless otherwise noted."