NASA is not one let a good spacecraft is lost. Nearly two weeks ago, the Space Agency has been trying to re -establish communications with a recently launched satellite that was originally heading towards the moon.
Lunar Trailblazer was launched on February 26 On board the Spacex Falcon 9 to enter the moon’s orbit and collect data on the state of water on the moon. Despite the successful spread of the missile, the spacecraft began to face a problem with its power system shortly after access to space. the next day , I lost communication with Trailblazer. Since then, NASA has been trying to communicate with the spacecraft. Although Lunar Trailblazer will not be able to carry out its original mission, the space agency works to find alternative options for the spacecraft.
“Based on a remote measurement before the signal loss last week and the ground -based radar data on March 2, the team believes that the spacecraft is slowly revolving in low -power state,” NASA wrote in A. to update On March 4. “They will continue to monitor signals in the event of a change in the direction of the spacecraft to where the solar panels receive more sunlight, which increases their production to support high energy and communication operations.”
The team continues to send orders to the spacecraft through NASA’s deep space network, while other other radio stations volunteer to listen to a signal signal. The task team also passes the data that was initially collected to know the direction of the spacecraft and its rotation, with the use of tests to study its behavior during the preliminary and recovery options from the low -energy condition, according to Nassa.
Lunar Trailblazer is part of NASA’s small innovative task program to explore planets (Simplex), and the low -cost scientific spacecraft it carries with other missions. “To maintain a low total cost, Simplex missions have a higher risk position and less control requirements for control and management,” NASA wrote. Simplex missions are supposed to be $ 55 million, however, the Assign The New York Times reached $ 94 million, according to the New York Times.
Whether it is exaggerated or not, NASA does not give up the satellite. “NASA is sending high dangerous tasks and a high reward like Lunar Trailblazer to do incredible science at a lower cost, and the team really envelope the innovative spirit of NASA,” Nikki Fox, Assistant Director of the NASA Science Mission Directorate, said in a statement. “If anyone can repeat the moon laser, then this is.”
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