Japanese asteroid probe encounters problems
Posted: Sat, Oct 8, 2005, 12:16 PM ET (1616 GMT)
A Japanese spacecraft approaching an asteroid has lost a key component of its attitude control system, raising questions about its ability to carry out its mission. The y-axis reaction wheel on Hayabusa, a device used to help maintain the spacecraft's proper orientation, failed on October 2, the Japanese space agency JAXA said this week. The spacecraft's x-axis reaction wheel failed in late July. Right now the spacecraft is using its one remaining reaction wheel, along with reaction control thrusters, to orient itself. Spacecraft engineers are studying how to maintain control of the spacecraft in this mode while minimizing the use of thruster propellant. The spacecraft has been in a stationkeeping mode about 7 kilometers from the asteroid Itokawa, and plans to perform two landings, collecting samples to return to Earth; the reaction wheel failures, though, may mean than only one such landing will be attempte
A Japanese spacecraft approaching an asteroid has lost a key component of its attitude control system, raising questions about its ability to carry out its mission. The y-axis reaction wheel on Hayabusa, a device used to help maintain the spacecraft's proper orientation, failed on October 2, the Japanese space agency JAXA said this week. The spacecraft's x-axis reaction wheel failed in late July. Right now the spacecraft is using its one remaining reaction wheel, along with reaction control thrusters, to orient itself. Spacecraft engineers are studying how to maintain control of the spacecraft in this mode while minimizing the use of thruster propellant. The spacecraft has been in a stationkeeping mode about 7 kilometers from the asteroid Itokawa, and plans to perform two landings, collecting samples to return to Earth; the reaction wheel failures, though, may mean than only one such landing will be attempte
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Space Force adds Rocket Lab and Stoke Space to NSSL contract
Posted: Sun, Mar 30 9:19 AM ET (1319 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Friday, April 4
‘Mind-boggling’: Space Force chief fires off dire warning about Chinese capability to knock out US satellites
Fox News — 5:52 am ET (0952 GMT) How China is expanding its anti-satellite arsenal
Defense One — 5:52 am ET (0952 GMT) Rocket Lab And Stoke Space Join U.S. NSSL Lane 1 Vendor Pool
Aviation Week — 5:52 am ET (0952 GMT) Olivia Munn criticizes all-female Blue Origin space crew: ‘What’s the point?’
The Independent — 5:50 am ET (0950 GMT) Olivia Munn slams ‘gluttonous’ female Blue Origin crew going to space: ‘People can’t afford eggs’
New York Post — 5:49 am ET (0949 GMT) |
