ATV propulsion glitch resolved
Posted: Wed, Mar 12, 2008, 6:46 AM ET (1046 GMT)
European engineers have resolved a problem with the propulsion system on the first ATV cargo spacecraft, keeping the mission on track for a docking with the International Space Station next month. Shortly after its launch early Sunday, spacecraft controllers noticed a problem with the primary propulsion system on the ATV, where a "significant difference" in pressure between the fuel and oxidizer in the primary propulsion system caused computers on the spacecraft to shut it down. Engineers uplinked new commands to the spacecraft's electronics and, after shutting down the spacecraft's entire propulsion system, turned it back on successfully. The ATV performed a series of maneuvers on Tuesday that confirmed the propulsion system was working well. The spacecraft, the first in a series of European robotic cargo spacecraft, is still scheduled to dock with the ISS in early April after performing a number of approach and rendezvous tests after the current shuttle mission.
European engineers have resolved a problem with the propulsion system on the first ATV cargo spacecraft, keeping the mission on track for a docking with the International Space Station next month. Shortly after its launch early Sunday, spacecraft controllers noticed a problem with the primary propulsion system on the ATV, where a "significant difference" in pressure between the fuel and oxidizer in the primary propulsion system caused computers on the spacecraft to shut it down. Engineers uplinked new commands to the spacecraft's electronics and, after shutting down the spacecraft's entire propulsion system, turned it back on successfully. The ATV performed a series of maneuvers on Tuesday that confirmed the propulsion system was working well. The spacecraft, the first in a series of European robotic cargo spacecraft, is still scheduled to dock with the ISS in early April after performing a number of approach and rendezvous tests after the current shuttle mission.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, June 4
Europe advances Pu-238 supply chain for deep space
ESA — 5:43 am ET (0943 GMT) SpaceX Launches 24 Starlink Satellites from Vandenberg SFB Wednesday Morning
Santa Barbara (CA) Edhat — 5:42 am ET (0942 GMT) U.S. Space Force to build new facility, move acquisition unit and expand officer training course in Colorado, lawmaker says
Aerospace America — 5:39 am ET (0939 GMT) Hatcher takes command at Space Forces Korea
US Space Force — 5:38 am ET (0938 GMT) France opens Space Command to Japanese officer as ties deepen under new road map
Japan Times — 5:38 am ET (0938 GMT) |
