Software glitch likely cause of Phobos-Grunt failure
Posted: Fri, Jan 20, 2012, 6:29 AM ET (1129 GMT)
Despite Russian claims that a US military radar may have crippled its Phobos-Grunt spacecraft, an investigation into the loss of the Mars-bound spacecraft now suggests that a software error may be to blame. Phobos-Grunt was stranded in a parking orbit around the Earth after its launch in November when an unknown problem prevents its engine from firing. The spacecraft's orbit slowly decayed, and the spacecraft reentered on Sunday. Russian sources said a software error likely prevented the engine from firing, which was compounded by "ensuing steps by ground services" that caused the spacecraft's batteries to discharge. However, Russian officials have publicly suggested that the spacecraft was damaged when it passed through a beam of a US radar in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific. US officials have denied those claims.
Despite Russian claims that a US military radar may have crippled its Phobos-Grunt spacecraft, an investigation into the loss of the Mars-bound spacecraft now suggests that a software error may be to blame. Phobos-Grunt was stranded in a parking orbit around the Earth after its launch in November when an unknown problem prevents its engine from firing. The spacecraft's orbit slowly decayed, and the spacecraft reentered on Sunday. Russian sources said a software error likely prevented the engine from firing, which was compounded by "ensuing steps by ground services" that caused the spacecraft's batteries to discharge. However, Russian officials have publicly suggested that the spacecraft was damaged when it passed through a beam of a US radar in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific. US officials have denied those claims.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Blue Origin announces new upper stage and engine for New Glenn
Posted: Sat, Nov 7 12:07 PM ET (1707 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Monday, November 9
NASA Updates Moon Base Plan Spanning Rover to Rides
Aviation Week — 4:49 am ET (0949 GMT) Korea to spur private launchers and LEO network in SpaceX-style push
Chosun Ilbo — 4:44 am ET (0944 GMT) As SpaceX gets cheaper, are India’s rockets taking different flight paths?
livemint — 4:44 am ET (0944 GMT) SpaceX Falcon 9 launch planned for Monday evening out of Vandenberg SFB
KSBY-TV San Luis Obispo, CA — 4:43 am ET (0943 GMT) Will China’s slow and steady moon landing plan be a safer bet than the US’?
South China Morning Post — 4:43 am ET (0943 GMT) |
