New Horizons is the first mission to the last planet - the initial reconnaissance of Pluto-Charon and the Kuiper Belt - sent out to explore the mysterious worlds at the edge of our solar system.
Of the nine recognized major planets in our solar system, Pluto alone remains unvisited by a man-made craft. New Horizons, the first of NASA’s “New Frontiers” missions, was selected by NASA to fill this gaping hole in the exploration of our own solar system. Scheduled to launch January 17, 2006, New Horizons’ journey will last at least 9 years and possibly as long as 15 years. After a fly-by of Pluto and its moon Charon, New Horizons will continue its flight and visit at least one other Kuiper belt object.